This list was originally prepared BVDA President, Alex Smithson after being asked by lots of colleagues which dentistry CPD he knows of or recommends.
To his list, we've also added events hosted by Improve International and Bob Partridge.
In addition to the following courses, Orosurgeon Ltd provides in-house, group and individual training throughout the year. Courses can cover all dentistry and oral surgery topics, basic to advanced, including restorative & endodontic dentistry.
Contact admin@orosurgeon.co.uk for details.
The company says that its own market research has found that two out of three pet owners have at least one dog with bad breath, and 90% of owners try a single chew before deciding to buy a bag of 15.
The company also says that in addition to dealing with halitosis, the chews have been scientifically proven to reduce calculus and plaque when given daily1.
Product Manager Claire Lewis said: "We are delighted to be able to add VeggieDent FR3SH singles to the Virbac oral healthcare range. Single chews make a great addition to practice waiting rooms, but can also be a useful tool to promote oral care in consult and even during puppy parties.
VeggieDent FR3SH™ singles are available to order from the veterinary wholesalers now.
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
Reference
Clomicalm contains Clomipramine hydrochloride, a broad-spectrum tricyclic antidepressant that inhibits the neuronal reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. A non-sedative, Clomicalm is used in combination with behavioural modification techniques to help separation anxiety.
Itrafungol is an oral solution containing Itraconazole for the treatment of ringworm in cats, administered orally directly into the mouth by means of a dosing syringe.
Both Clomicalm and Itrafungol are available to order from the veterinary wholesalers.
For more information, speak to your Virbac Territory Manager.
Hosted on the Boehringer Academy website, the three-minute quiz involves listening to 15 murmurs and deciding whether each one is clinically significant or not.
After deciding, you'll be told the grade of the murmur and if further investigation should be considered to determine if the dog has cardiomegaly. Boehringer says this is important since dogs with MVD and cardiomegaly are more likely to develop heart failure within 1 to 2 years1.
To register on the Boehringer Academy or take part in the quiz, visit www.boehringer-academy.co.uk.
Elanco, a division of Eli Lilly and Company, has launched into the UK companion animal market with a pledge to listen to vets and provide a highly personalised level of support.
The company will initially offer recognised brands such as equine vaccines from the Duvaxyn range, Felocell vaccine for cats and equine wormer Strongid P. It says it is also developing a range of innovative new products designed to address the unmet needs of companion animals, the first of which are expected to be launched during 2011.
Mrs Tina Hunt, a Glasgow Vet School graduate and most recently, Veterinary Business Director at Fort Dodge UK, has been appointed with a remit to build the Elanco Companion Animal Health organisation in the UK. Reporting to Jannes Nijland, Director Elanco Western Europe, she will spearhead the company's growth and relationship building with veterinary practices across the country.
Tina said: "Recent changes in the animal health sector make it an exciting time to be launching a new companion animal brand. The opportunity to be in at the start and to shape a completely new business from scratch was too good to miss. My team shares a passion to combine the best of our experience with new approaches and new ways of working which are more closely attuned to what vets actually want. This means doing things differently and this is a challenge we relish.
We seek a genuine partnership with the profession and look forward to building close, individual relationships with vets and practices, helping them to enable companion animals to live longer, healthier and higher quality lives. While we're a newcomer in this sector, we benefit from the track record and resources available to Elanco, the fifth largest animal company in the world. We're determined to make Elanco Companion Animal Health a trusted and valued partner to vets working in companion animal practice."
Elanco develops and markets products to improve animal health and food-animal production in more than 75 countries. The company employs more than 2,300 people worldwide, with offices in more than 40 countries, and is a division of Eli Lilly and Company, a pharmaceutical corporation. Additional information about Elanco is available at www.elancopet.com and the company can be contacted via email: elancoCAH.uk@lilly.com
Vetoquinol UK has launched Sodium Salicyl 80%, a water soluble, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).
Sodium Salicyl 80% contains 800mg of sodium salicylate and is indicated for supportive treatment of pyrexia in acute respiratory disease in calves (of at least two weeks of age). In pigs, Sodium Salicyl 80% is indicated for the treatment of inflammation, in combination with concurrent antibiotic therapy. Vetoquinol says that unlike acetylsalicylic acid (conventional aspirin) which is poorly soluble in water, sodium salicylate is highly water soluble (1 g/ml water), even in the hard water commonly encountered in the UK which makes it ideal for group therapy in any herd.
Sodium Salicyl 80% can be administered orally through the milk replacer or drinking water. Orally administered salicylates are absorbed rapidly and make it easier to treat groups of pigs and calves suffering from stress.
Vetoquinol says it's well known that any focus of pain or discomfort is likely to reduce an animals' feed and water intake, enough to reduce performance and potentially increase the need for the use of antibiotics. NSAID's are ideal for use in times of stress, for example after weaning where they have the ability to reduce inflammation, provide analgesia and reduce pyrexia. Unlike corticosteroids, NSAID's relieve pain and inflammation without the immunosuppressive and metabolic side effects. Stress is a known cause for an acute phase response (inflammation) and viral and bacterial infections are common in this vulnerable period.
Susan Mitchell, Large Animal Product Manager at Vetoquinol said: 'We are delighted to be expanding our large animal range with Sodium Salicyl 80%. We are now able to offer vets and producers a solution for both individual and group situations where an NSAID is required"
Floxabactin is indicated for use in dogs with lower UTIs including those associated with prostatitis, upper urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli or Proteus mirabilis in dogs, and superficial and deep pyoderma. For cats, the 15 mg dose can be used with upper respiratory tract infections.
Floxabactin is presented in blister packs: 15mg for cats and dogs, plus 50mg and 150mg for dogs.
Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: “Floxabactin has been developed with the responsible administration of antibiotics in mind. We would always promote only using antimicrobials when an infection has been documented and based on the results of culture and sensitivity testing, and or cytology testing, if applicable.
"Other treatment options should also be considered before the systemic use of antibiotics such as topical treatment for superficial pyoderma."
For more information, visit: https://www.dechra.co.uk/new-from-dechra
The Group says the new checklist has been developed to help potential new owners find a happy, healthy kitten, and to avoid the heartache and potential costs involved with taking on a sick kitten or one which is frightened of people.
The Kitten Checklist includes suggestions to view the kitten with its mother, tips on spotting signs of ill health or asking about inherited conditions, what to ask about the kitten’s breeding and history, how to assess its behaviour and judge how comfortable the kitten is likely to be around people.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "Buying or homing a new kitten is a huge decision but as vets we’re aware that many people may make it quite rashly, basing their choice on looks or emotion and not asking the right questions.
"Sometimes it will work out okay but the aftermath of poor decisions can range from frustrating and costly to completely devastating. No one wants to unknowingly take home a kitten that is suffering from a hidden health condition or that will be distressed or anxious in its new surroundings, and no vet enjoys breaking the news that a young animal may need extensive and costly treatment before it has even settled into its new home."
The Kitten Checklist can be downloaded from: http://www.thecatgroup.org.uk/pdfs/The-Kitten-Checklist.pdf.
If you'd like to share the Kitten Checklist on your practice social media page, right click on the image above, save to your computer, upload to Facebook with a comment about the new Checklist, adding the url it can be downloaded from to your post.
The two-day event, now in its fifth year, aims to combine world-class CPD for the whole practice team with an outdoor ‘festival’ atmosphere.
The organisers say that the wellbeing of veterinary professionals has always been a strong focus of VET Festival, but the inclusion of Lara Heimann in the Wellness and Practice Development lecture, takes it to a new level. Laura has developed her own vinyasa yoga style and regularly leads international retreats and workshops.
Speakers in the clinical programme will include:
Dr Antonio Pozzi, Head of the Clinic for Small Animal Surgery at the University of Zurich, Switzerland
Dr Susan Little, co-owner of two feline specialty practices in Ottawa, Canada, and past president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners
Dr Ronaldo da Costa, Professor in Neurology and Neurosurgery at Ohio State University, USA.
Veterinary cardiologist Professor John E Rush. A Diplomate of both the American Colleges of Veterinary Internal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care, Dr Rush has been a professor for 25 years at the Cummings Veterinary Medicine Centre at Tufts University in Massachusetts
Behaviourist Dr Sarah Heath. A founding Diplomate of the European College of Animal Welfare and Behavioural Medicine
Soft-tissue surgeon Professor Christopher Adin. Professor Adin is Chair of the University of Florida’s Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences and Associate Professor of Soft Tissue.
Veterinary nurses are welcome to attend any of the lectures, in addition to those in the dedicated nursing stream. An exhibition of the latest products and services for all veterinary professionals takes place in a dedicated arena.
Nicole Cooper, event director, said: "VET Festival is unique in bringing together cutting-edge, inspirational learning, fun and the great outdoors. CPD from our world-leading speakers is delivered in a high quality and contemporary setting but, once work is done, we encourage delegates to relax and enjoy free admission for them, their friends and family to the VETFest Live Party Night."
She added: "With the wellness and wellbeing of members of our profession increasingly in the spotlight, we’re delighted to welcome Lara Heimann for 2019 and hope that she will help our delegates to develop practical solutions to living healthier and more balanced lives."
Supported by MWI Animal Health, VET Festival also offers a 'Family Hub', a place where children can play whilst their parents listen to lectures.
Alan White Group Commercial Director at MWI Animal Health, said: "Balancing work and family life can often be a juggling act, particularly in the veterinary profession where time is in short supply. This can sometimes compromise the work-life balance of vets, nurses and other team members. At VET Festival, the 'Family Hub' means that there is no compromise and that both our attendees and their families can get the best out of their time with us."
You can buy tickets here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information
Christine will take over from Nigel Gibbens who is stepping down at the end of February 2018 after 10 years in the post.
Christine, who comes from a farming family in the south of Scotland, is an experienced veterinary surgeon who worked for a number of years in private practice in Scotland and the north of England, prior to joining the Animal Health agency (now part of the Animal and Plant Health Agency) in 2008 as a Divisional Veterinary Manager in Scotland.
Since 2016, she has been working as the CVO in New South Wales, Australia, where she has led major improvements to biosecurity across many farming sectors.
Christine said: "I am delighted to have been appointed and it will be a privilege to lead my veterinary colleagues to support our farming and food industry in this hugely important role.
"I am very much looking forward to working again with the team at Defra, its agencies, the devolved administrations and all the individuals and groups which will contribute to meet future challenges across animal health and welfare.
"The UK Government has made no secret it wants to cement its place as a world-leader on animal welfare as they leave the European Union, and I’m delighted to have an opportunity to play a part in that."
Nigel said: "I would like to congratulate Christine on her success against a strong field of candidates and I am certain she will be a great addition to the department.
"Her breadth of experience from work within Government and in the private sector will enable her to provide excellent veterinary leadership to the Defra group to deliver government’s ongoing commitment to maintaining our high animal health and welfare standards and to represent the interests of the whole of the UK internationally."
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Gardiner added: "I warmly welcome Christine to her important role. She brings to it a wealth of experience and enthusiasm.
"This Government is embarking on an ambitious programme of animal welfare reform, including plans to increase the maximum sentence for animal cruelty to five years in prison and introducing mandatory CCTV in all abattoirs. Christine will be invaluable in helping us in achieving world leading standards.
"I thank Nigel Gibbens for his outstanding contribution as CVO over the past ten years. Leaving the department at the end of February, he is hugely respected across the veterinary community and beyond – leading on responses to disease outbreaks including avian influenza and advising government on issues from antimicrobial resistance to animal welfare."
British Veterinary Association President John Fishwick said: "We’d like to congratulate Christine Middlemiss on her appointment as the UK’s next CVO and welcome her return to Defra - as well as to the UK, following her 16 months as CVO in New South Wales, Australia.
"As Christine notes, she will take up her role amidst EU Exit negotiations when the vital role veterinary surgeons play in so many areas of political and public life must be championed and considered more than ever.
"The work of all vets in government is indispensable in protecting and promoting animal health and welfare and public health, and current UK CVO Nigel Gibbens CBE has been crucial in steering this with calm direction and sage insight from the heart of government.
"We hope to continue our effective working relationship with the new UK CVO, and really look forward the opportunity to work with Christine moving forwards."
Christine will take up her new role as CVO for the UK on the 1 March 2018.
The Disciplinary Committee made its decision last Friday, following an adjournment of the case, which was initially heard in May of this year.
There were three heads of charge against Mr Hough:
The Committee found the majority of the first head of charge not proven, with the exception of the charges that Mr Hough failed to provide and ensure adequate overnight care for Mya and that it was inappropriate and unreasonable for him to plan for the wound management to be undertaken by Mya’s owners following the second procedure on 21 May 2014.
Regarding the second head of charge, the Committee found it proven that Mr Hough did fail to provide information about post-operative care and out-of-hours cover details to Mya’s owners. However it found Mr Hough’s failure to communicate with the owners regarding treatment options and to provide them with adequate information as to Mya’s post-operative condition not proven.
The third head of charge in its entirety was admitted and found proven.
The Committee also found that those charges that were found proven amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect with the exception of Mr Hough’s failure to provide and/or ensure adequate overnight care and his failure to failure to provide out-of-hours details to Mya’s owners.
In deciding on an appropriate sanction, the Committee expressed significant concerns over Mr Hough’s treatment of Mya, in particular his "failure to devise and implement proper and sufficient procedures to ensure that this dog was not released to owners unless it was safe for her to be released and... that the owners were fully advised as to what was required of them."
The Committee felt that Mr Hough had given "insufficient attention" to Mya’s post-operative care but did accept that the conduct represented a single incident. During the course of the hearing the Committee also heard mitigating evidence given on behalf of Mr Hough, with a number of written testimonials as well as witness evidence in support of his clinical expertise and surgical skills.
The Committee accepted that Mr Hough had taken to heart the lessons to be learnt from the charges against him and had implemented a number of written protocols to prevent recurrence of the shortcomings in his treatment of Mya. Furthermore, the Committee also found that Mr Hough had demonstrated insight into the conduct found against him and that he had apologised for the disparaging remarks he made about other veterinary practitioners.
Alistair Barr, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "In short, the Committee is persuaded that Mr Hough has made a good start in putting in place systems to ensure that the interests and welfare of the animals treated at his practice surgeries are not discharged from care until they are fully ready to be discharged and that the owners of such animals will, in future, be fully informed of what might be asked and required of them when their animals are returned into their care after surgery."
He added: "There are no other areas of [Mr Hough’s] professional practices which appear to the Committee to call for improvements. Accordingly, the Committee is persuaded on this evidence that there is reason to believe that the lessons which Mr Hough needed to learn have been learnt and concludes, therefore, that the sanction of a formal and solemn reprimand adequately meets the needs of the public interest in, and requirements of, this particular case. Mya did make a full recovery from her extensive surgery but she and her owners deserved better post-surgery advice and support."
Dechra Veterinary Products has relaunched Oxyglobin after concluding an exclusive agreement to supply the product across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
Oxyglobin is used to stabilise anaemic dogs until the underlying condition can be controlled and the animal's body can produce its own new red blood cells.
Dechra says the treatment, which is now available in both 125ml bags and individual 60ml transfusion bags, maintains tissue oxygenation even when there is severe stenosis of blood vessels. It has a viscosity which is more than water but less than blood for ease of flow through vessels, and also increases circulatory volume.
Dechra Veterinary Products Brand Manager, Carol Morgan, said: "Veterinary professionals have been waiting for Oxyglobin to come back onto the market for some time and we're delighted to be able to relaunch it in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
"It was withdrawn from the market in 2010 when OPK Biotech acquired the assets of manufacturer Biopure Corporation in 2009. But this year, OPK Biotech resumed the manufacture of Oxyglobin and we have stocks available to practices from this month (FEB)."
"Oxyglobin turns around clinical outcomes for dogs with anaemia, regardless of the cause of the condition, which is why it is the objective choice for safety, effectiveness and convenience.
"Oxyglobin is the only oxygen-carrying fluid available off the shelf for dogs in need of oxygen support and no typing or cross-matching of the recipient's blood is required."
Oxyglobin, a sterile formulation of polymerised purified bovine haemoglobin in a balanced salt solution with proven efficacy, is available in single dose 60ml and 125ml infusion bags.
For further information on Oxyglobin, see www.dechra.co.uk
The Nu.Q Canine Cancer Test is a new technology that measures circulating nucleosomes in order to enable earlier cancer detection in some of the most common types of canine cancers.
According to the company, Nu.Q testing requires only 50µL of EDTA plasma from a patient and provides accurate results in 5 to 10 minutes.
One study demonstrated >75% detection rates for common cancers in dogs like lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma when using Nu.Q1.
The company suggests veterinary professionals use the tool during annual check-ups or regular senior wellness exams for older dogs and at-risk breeds.
Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC, Chief Medical Officer at Antech, said: “It’s exciting to see innovations like Nu.Q Canine Cancer Test become more widely available to veterinary teams in Europe.
"With cancer affecting one in four dogs2, it is critical that veterinary professionals have access to fast and accurate cancer screening methods, so they can make informed and timely decisions and ultimately change pet health outcomes.
https://antechdiagnostics.co.uk
References
Veterinary Review and Practice Heart magazines have ceased publication.
The former was first launched 15 years ago by John Alborough, and sold to Onstream Communications in May 2007.
Mark Johnston, Managing Director of Onstream Communications said: "It wasn't commercially viable running a full publishing team for two magazines, especially in the current economic environment, so we're consolidating our activities and concentrating on electronic media".
These include the peer-reviewed online clinical information services: Canis, Felis, Equis and Lapis and the provision of websites for veterinary practices and companies wishing to promote themselves and their products and services.
The stem cells were created as part of a study into feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which the RVC carried out in association with the Animal Health Trust (AHT), The Beryl Evetts and Robert Luff Animal Welfare Trust (BERLAWT), The Winn Feline Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim.
The RVC says HCM affects about 15% of the feline population in the UK; translating to over 1 million cats. It is caused by genetic mutations which affect the heart muscle cells.
To date, there are no treatments proven to stop or reverse it, leading to a very poor prognosis for affected cats.
This is partly because a major issue with studying heart diseases at a cellular level is that heart muscle cells do not survive in a laboratory environment. When studying human heart cells, this has been overcome by turning ordinary skin cells into pluripotent stem cells (cells able to turn into any tissue in the body).
These are termed 'induced pluripotent stem cells', or iPSCs. It is then possible to generate heart muscle cells to study from these iPSCs.
The research, carried out by Dr Luke Dutton under the supervision of Professor David Connolly, Dr Jayesh Dudhia and Dr Debbie Guest, as part of his PhD at the RVC in collaboration with AHT, has now identified the conditions required to create iPSCs from domestic cat cells.
While creating iPSCs has been done before in wild cats, the RVC believes that Dr Dutton’s breakthrough in creating iPSCs from domestic cat cells is a world first. It sets the scene for further research into how to turn these iPSCs into heart cells and then, once successful, testing drug therapies that could improve outcomes for cats with HCM.
The researchers say that the translational benefits of this project are potentially very significant, as around 1 in 500 people in the UK have HCM, and the condition manifests in humans in the same way.
If the therapies that researchers test on feline heart cells turn out to be effective, this sets the stage for testing these treatments on humans.
Dr Dutton, author of the study, said: "This is an incredibly exciting project, which is only made possible by the generous funding of the BERLAWT, Boehringer Ingelheim and The Winn Feline Foundation.
"Not only is this study the first reported generation of iPSCs from domestic cats, but these cells can now be used in a novel disease model. This will allow us to study the disease processes present in these cats in ways that have not been possible with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic agents that may slow or even stop the disease process. We would then hope to translate these agents into the feline clinic."
Dr Debbie Guest, Head of Stem Cell Research at the Animal Health Trust, said: "This is the first report on the successful generation of domestic cat iPSCs. These cells not only bring hope to cats suffering from HCM, but allow us to develop new tools to study conditions affecting other tissue types in the future."
For the study1, 158 cows presented with active DD (M1, M2 or M4.1 stage) and were randomly allocated to either the control or the treatment group.
All cows were treated with a topical application of oxytetracycline spray.
The treatment group also received an intramuscular injection of Ketofen 10% solution for injection (ketoprofen 3mg/kg).
Cows were mobility scored just before they were treated and then again one week later.
The results indicated that animals in the control group were 2.57 times more likely to be lame at the second evaluation compared to those that received Ketofen, however cows that were lame in the control group prior to treatment and did not receive Ketofen were over 20 times more likely to remain lame a week post-treatment compared to cows that did receive Ketofen.
The same study all showed a milk yield benefit overall; treated cows produced 2.98 kg more milk than control cows (T = 45.35 C = 42.37, p<0.01).
When only lame fresh cows were considered, there was a 10.49kg increase in milk yield (T = 58.38 C = 47.89 p<0.05).
Nick Bell MA, VetMB, PhD, PGCert Vet Ed, FHEA, DipECAWBM(AWSEL), MRCVS, veterinary surgeon and director of Herd Health Consultancy, said: “We’ve widely recognised the importance of NSAIDs for treating claw lesions, which are primarily inflammatory conditions, but this study is the first real insight into how important NSAIDs are for any lesion, including digital dermatitis, particularly if the cow is showing signs of lameness.
"This research provides a clear welfare justification for giving NSAIDs to dairy cows with active digital dermatitis lesions, with significant milk yield benefits.”
Katherine Timms BVetMed(Hons) MRCVS, ruminant veterinary advisor at Ceva Animal Health said: “While it is recognised that some stages of digital dermatitis are painful, there has been little research to determine the value of including analgesia in the treatment of the condition.
“This study suggests that the use of Ketofen in the treatment of pain and lameness associated with active digital dermatitis lesions may be beneficial for animal welfare as it is associated with an improvement in mobility scores.”
Mark Naguib MRCVS, Public Relations Officer at the BVZS said: "Our conference is the largest gathering of exotic pet, wildlife and zoo vets in the UK and one of the best places to gain CPD in these fields whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced specialist."
The BVZS says it is subsidising the ticket price in recognition both of how the cost of living crisis is affecting the profession, and because after two years of socially-distanced online conferences, meeting in person is more important than ever.
The Society says it believes this is important enough that it is prepared to make a loss on the event in order to provide a real service not just to its members, but also to the whole veterinary zoological community.
The conference will once again feature dedicated streams covering zoo health, nursing, exotic pets and wildlife health.
There will also be a student stream, including back-to-basics exotics talks and a dedicated student networking session.
There will be evening entertainment on the Saturday and the opportunity to socialise and network.
https://www.bvzs.co.uk/bvzs/about/conference-2022
There's a complimentary counter top unit and pillow packs to help veterinary surgeons and nurses communicate the benefits of probiotics to clients. The unit can hold a cat and dog 30 sachet box of Purina Pro Plan FortiFlora from practice stock and the pillow packs can be used to dispense single sachets, so the client can trial the product with their pet at home.
At the same time, the company is encouraging vets and nurses to look at the evidence behind the probiotics they recommend. Although carried out a while ago now (2003 and 2011), two studies have shown that other diets claiming to contain probiotics generally did not meet the label claim when evaluated1,2.
Libby Sheridan, MVB MRCVS, Purina Veterinary Technical Affairs Manager, UK & Ireland says the efficacy of probiotics is thought to be strain-specific3 and recommends that clinicians critically assess the evidence for the particular strain and preparation of probiotics stocked or used.
Libby said: "The quality and efficacy of probiotics can vary and while in some cases there is strong evidence for efficacy in the targeted species, for others, the evidence is scant. Having experienced it myself, I know it's not always easy when working in a busy practice to take the time to ensure the evidence is there, but the studies back up that we should assess these things carefully before making a robust recommendation to our clients."
Most of the probiotics commercially available to veterinary professionals use the lactic acid bacterium Enterococcus faecium.
The particular strain and preparation of any probiotic will affect its ability to reach the large intestine, the expected site of action, intact. The evidence for the SF68 strain of Enterococcus faecium has been validated in a number of studies4-11 over recent years. Proven benefits of the SF68 strain include those focused on the gastrointestinal system where it supports canine and feline intestinal health and microflora balance and those with wider implications, such as support for a healthy immune system.
To obtain a unit or discuss the science, contact your Purina Veterinary Nutrition Partner or telephone the Purina Veterinary Nutrition Team on 0800 212161 quoting code VETPRESS.
Tramvetol is presented in two pack sizes of 30 and 100 tablets to assist practices with dispensing and storage as a Schedule 3 controlled drug. The meat flavoured 50mg tablets can also be divided into two equal parts to ensure accurate dosing.
Virbac says Tramvetol is suitable for both short courses and long-term treatment; 2-4mg per kg of Tramvetol can be administered every 8 hours or from 6 hours, if required, based on the intensity of the pain. In addition, Tramvetol has a wide therapeutic window and a maximum daily dose of 16mg per kg.
Commonly used in combination with other forms of analgesia, including NSAIDs1, Tramvetol is quickly absorbed and boats a rapid onset of action2. Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 45 minutes3.
Dan Johnson, Product Manager at Virbac said: ‘Tramadol is already an important part of the analgesia toolkit for many veterinary practices. We hope that Tramvetol will prove to be a much more convenient option for practices, whilst helping to provide dogs with a better quality, pain free life’.
Hedgehogs: A Practical Guide for Vets aims to help vets assess sick hedgehogs and administer emergency treatment to stabilise them so they can be transferred to a wildlife rescue centre for specialist care.
Hannah, who has examined and treated more than 1,500 hedgehogs since setting up her sanctuary four years ago, said she also wants to create more awareness that hedgehogs seen during the daytime need urgent help.
She said: “As soon as a hedgehog comes out in the day it is usually a cry for help and they should be taken to the vets or a rescue centre as a matter of urgency.
“I wrote the book to help vets who are more familiar with treating small pets like dogs and cats know what to do if a sick hedgehog is brought to them, and to increase their confidence when treating wildlife.
"There are three simple things that every sick hedgehog needs, which are warmth, fluid and pain relief.”
https://www.facebook.com/p/Hannahs-Hedgehog-Rehabilitation-100070882987122
A sign up section where Official Veterinarians (OVs) can register to continue providing bTB testing with aspiring Delivery Partner Xperior Farm Health under AHVLA's Veterinary Delivery Partnership programme has been added to Xperior's website (www.xperiorfarmhealth.co.uk/vets/).
Xperior Farm Health is the joint venture between Eville & Jones and Westpoint Veterinary Group that is one of the declared bidders for appointment by AHVLA as a Delivery Partner. Veterinary Director Phil Elkins said: "If appointed, we are fully committed to maintaining sub-contractor OV involvement."
As alternatives to website sign up, OVs can also do so by email (phil.elkins@xperiorfarmhealth.co.uk) or post using either a printed form that was mailed recently to more than 1,000 farm vets or by writing to Mr Elkins at Century House, Thorpe Park, Leeds LS15 8ZB.
To give experienced OVs an opportunity to influence the Delivery Partner bid, Xperior have also extended their online survey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PQFSWZN) until the end of July.
Phil added: "If appointed, our commitment is to provide an exemplary standard of accurate and trustworthy on-farm animal health testing services, where possible using subcontracted practices. These will be farmer friendly, provide an ongoing source of work and revenue to subcontractor Official Veterinarians, and represent excellent value for money to the taxpayer."
As the company points out, there is a lot of catching up to do as practices return to the new normal, plus a cohort of pet owners who remain at risk or reluctant to visit their vets. Online consultations, phone consultations and home delivery services such as VetPost can help to get the revenue back in to the practice.
Mark Johnston from Video With My Vet said: "Video With My Vet was designed and developed to enable the client to have consultations with their own practice because the client/patient relationship will already be in place, meaning the clinicians at the practice will have the context of the previous consultations and clinical procedures with the practice to refer to."
Vet-AI/Joii co-founder Robert Dawson, said: “Here at Joii we are looking to develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with forward-thinking practices, focused on providing fantastic customer care. As a practice owner for 25 years I am very aware of the stresses and strains of normal vet practice life and once lock down is lifted it may not be practicable for most practices to provide dedicated remote care for their patients and clients. We want to integrate with physical veterinary practices to work together to provide the best possible customer journey, where clients can access telemedicine instantly and where any cases needing face to face care can be triaged seamlessly into practice.”
Essentially, the difference between the two propositions is that 'Video With My Vet" is a platform for practices to provide their own telemedicine service for their clients, whereas Vet-AI/Joii provides clients with advice from its own vets, referring them back to their practice as needed.
For further information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager or Customer Services 0845 300 8034.
Richard was nominated for his dedication to improving rabbit welfare, in particular for his work in getting a new vaccine in to the UK to protect all pet rabbits against an emerging deadly disease (RVHD2).
Richard qualified from Liverpool University in 1994, obtained his Certificate in Zoological Medicine in 2001 and his Diploma in Zoological Medicine in 2010, while he was an RWAF resident. Richard is also registered as a recognised RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine (one of only 30 in the world).
Rae Todd, CEO of the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund said: "We're incredibly proud of Richard for all of his hard work and delighted that he's received recognition for his work. We all owe Richard a huge debt of gratitude for his commitment to the industry and for protecting all pet rabbits. So far, we estimate in the region of 70,000 rabbits have been vaccinated thanks to Richard."
Co-host of the awards, Matt Baker said: "I am truly humbled by the hard work and dedication of individuals and organisations who are passionate about improving animal welfare and would like to congratulate both the finalists and the award winners who are making a real difference to the lives of animals both in the UK and abroad."
Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health, added: "The Ceva Animal Welfare Awards go from strength to strength, both in terms of the number and quality of entries that we receive during the nomination process and the dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of the finalists and winners who often go above and beyond the call of duty in the name of animal welfare."
Other winners this year included:
Welfare Nurse of the Year Award in association with Agria Pet InsuranceAdina Valentine, Blue Cross Animal Hospital in Grimsby
Charity Team of the Year supported by PDSAThe Dog Breeding Reform Group
Charitable Contribution of the Year supported by Blue Cross Helen Whiteside, Canine Research Associate at Guide Dogs
Farm Animal Welfare Award supported by R.A.B.I. and NADISThe University of Nottingham Dairy Herd Health Group
International Cat Care Welfare of the Year AwardMaria Pinto Teixeira from Animals de Rua (AdR) in Portugal
The webinars already available cover subjects like cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), emergency diagnostics and traumatic brain injury, presented by experienced emergency vets Aoife Reid, Liron Levy-Hirsch and Jacqueline Seymour.
More content is due to be added to the library in the coming weeks, including guest webinars from TVM UK on rodenticide and seizure management, and from clinical psychologists Dr Jo Becket and Dr Jess Brown on “thrive, not just survive” and “when stress gets too much”. There will also be a session from ECC specialist Tobias Grave (pictured right) on how to deal with some of the most common pet emergencies.
Tobias will also be on hand to help veterinary surgeons and nurses whose practices use Vets Now for their out-of-hours service with both general advice and a second opinion on potentially complex cases via the new support line.
Tobias said: “Covid-19 is bringing fresh challenges to vets and vet nurses every day. With clinicians seeing a caseload which is mainly emergency and often having to triage patients over the phone or by video consult, it’s never been so important to come together as a profession.
"Both our webinars and our specialist support line for practices who use our service will help equip vet professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to deal with challenging emergencies in practice."
You can find Vets Now’s library of free ECC webinars here.
The awards, which recognise the achievements of remarkable people from the veterinary, farming and charity industries, were hosted by TV presenter and animal lover, Matt Baker, and Chris Laurence MBE FRCVS, who was also chair of the judging panel.
Chris said: "Once again the breadth of nominations for the Welfare Awards has amazed and enthused the judging panel. The new categories this year have been well supported and widened the field of nominees as well as increasing the number of nominations. There have been some outstanding finalists and those who have won should be justifiably proud to have done so against some stiff competition. Of course, the real winners in all this are the animals whose welfare has been improved and the message that has given about the importance of animal welfare to those who have come into contact with all the nominees."
The other award winners were:
Vet Nurse of the Year Award in association with Agria Pet InsuranceRachel Wright, TOLFA
Charity Team of the Year Award in association with PDSAEbony Horse Club, Brixton
Charitable Contribution of the Year Award in association with Blue Cross Fiona Gammell, Wicklow Animal Welfare
Farmer of the Year Award in association with R.A.B.I.David Finlay, Rainton Farm, Castle Douglas
Farm Educator of the Year in association with NADISJames Griffiths from Taynton Court Farm, Gloucester
International Cat Care Welfare of the Year AwardIan MacFarlaine, chief inspector of SPCA in Bermuda
Outstanding Contribution to Animal Welfare Award in association with Your Dog and Your Cat Professor Jacky Reid, Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and CEO of the research company, NewMetrica.
Cuneyt Seckin, managing director of Ceva Animal Health UK and Ireland said: "The vision, dedication and hard work demonstrated by each and every award winner is truly outstanding. We had a brilliant evening celebrating our remarkable winners and would like to congratulate each and every one of them on their fantastic achievement."
Photo: Chris Laurence, Adele Waters (Vet Record), Hannah Capon and Matt Baker.