The initiative is part of the company’s Keeping Britain’s Horses Healthy (KBHH), and provides a way that practices can work with their Equine Account Manager to help horse owners bring their vaccination status up-to-date for equine influenza and tetanus.
Peter Young, Equine Business Manager said: "We’re aware how easy it is for owners to get behind on their horses’ vaccinations but with over half of the UK horse population not protected against equine ‘flu, vets need all the help they can get to improve vaccination rates in their area. We should be aiming for at least 70% ‘flu vaccination rates to ensure our horses benefit from herd immunity so we’re offering vets some practical support to help them improve the situation."
The KBHH vaccination amnesty will be offering a reduced cost option for horses needing to restart a primary course, encouraging horse owners to add their horse to the population already protected.
Horses will need to be over 12 months of age and be unvaccinated or have lapsed from their normal booster vaccination for more than three months.
MSD is also providing a range of online and printed material for vets to help promote the amnesty and ensure their clients take action, including materials that practices can post on Facebook to raise awareness of the symptoms of equine ‘flu and the importance of vaccination.
For further details contact your MSD Animal Health equine representative.
whatstherisk.co.uk has been created for all practice staff and contains advice from parasitologists Ian Wright and Eric Morgan.
Topics include advice on practical risk assessments, how risk-based prescribing can work with health plans as well as how to get owners involved to make risk assessment and personalised prescribing quicker and simpler.
Boehringer says that all the materials and advice have been developed in line with RCVS Practice Standards and the BVA's guidance on the responsible use of parasiticides.1,2
Sharron Woods, NexGard brands Franchise Manager said: “With knowledge about parasitic risk low among dog owners, alongside increasing scrutiny on the potential overuse of parasiticides, we’re delighted to be at the forefront of supporting vets, pet owners and the wider industry in driving best-practice risk assessment and responsible parasite control."
References
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has directed that a veterinary surgeon from Berkshire be removed from the Register, following his administration of a prohibited substance to a racehorse and his subsequent attempts to conceal his actions.
At a six-day hearing that concluded yesterday, James Main, a partner in the O'Gorman, Slater, Main & Partners veterinary practice in Newbury, and former lead veterinary surgeon to racehorse trainer Nicky Henderson, faced four charges of serious professional misconduct concerning his treatment of Moonlit Path, a six-year-old mare owned by The Queen.
Three of the charges related to Mr Main breaching British Horseracing Authority (BHA) rules by injecting Moonlit Path with tranexamic acid (TA) on the day she was due to race; the fourth charge related to his dishonest concealment of this treatment in his practice clinical records. Nicky Henderson had himself faced a BHA Inquiry into this case in 2009 and subsequently been sanctioned.
The Committee heard that on 18 February 2009, Mr Henderson's yard requested a veterinary surgeon attend Moonlit Path to administer an injection of Dycenene the following morning. The injection was requested as the mare was prone to exercise-induced pulmonary haemorrhage. Mr Main attended on the morning of 19 February and injected the horse with intravenous tranexamic acid. Moonlit Path raced at Huntingdon later that day, along with the eventual winner, and favourite, Ravello Bay - another horse trained by Mr Henderson. Moonlit Path finished sixth and a urine sample taken from her after the race tested positive for TA.
Of the four charges, Mr Main admitted injecting Moonlit Path with TA on the day she was due to race when he knew this breached the BHA's rule prohibiting any substance other than the horse's usual feed and water being given on race day. However, Mr Main denied knowing that, if tested, a horse would test positive for TA (thereby imposing a strict liability on the trainer); he denied administering a prohibited substance to a horse with the intention to affect that horse's racing performance; and, he denied dishonestly concealing the TA injection by omitting it from his clinical records and referring to it as a 'pre-race check'.
The Committee heard and carefully considered evidence from Mr Henderson and his employees, from BHA investigating officers and its Director of Equine Science and Welfare, from an expert equine physiologist and from Mr Main himself. In its findings, the Committee stated it was "unimpressed by Mr Henderson's evidence and surprised by his apparent lack of knowledge of the rules of racing".
Whilst the Committee accepted Mr Main believed at the time that Moonlit Path would not test positive for TA, it considered he failed to fully inform himself of the medicinal product he was using; especially so as TA does not possess a Marketing Authorisation as a veterinary medicinal product. In so doing, he did not meet his professional obligation to provide Mr Henderson with the information and advice he needed.
The Committee concluded that TA was a prohibited substance and, whilst accepting that Mr Main's concern had solely been for Moonlit Path's welfare, he had actually breached BHA rules by affecting her performance through administering such a substance.
Finally, the Committee found that Mr Main had deliberately concealed the TA injection to Moonlit Path by describing it in his notes as a 'pre-race check' - a protocol developed over several years between the practice and Mr Henderson. Such inaccurate clinical records were in breach of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct and led the Committee to conclude he had acted dishonestly. The Committee also found Mr Main "did not act with candour" by claiming to have administered the TA injection the day before the race. On questioning by the Legal Assessor, however, he admitted that he had known that Moonlit Path was racing the same day that he administered the injection.
Professor Sheila Crispin, chairing the Committee, said: "[We] regard it as wholly unacceptable practice that a veterinary surgeon should be party to serious breaches of rules of another regulatory body in the field of animal welfare ... and which go to the very integrity of racing.
"Whilst the findings relate to a single incident, [we] are satisfied that Mr Main's actions amounted to pre-meditated misconduct ... It is highly relevant that Mr Main held positions of responsibility within the racing industry where he was required to uphold the rules and standards of the profession," she added.
Noting Mr Main's "long and hitherto unblemished career as a highly respected equine veterinary surgeon", the Committee accepted Mr Main's evidence that the reason for the administration of tranexamic acid was solely his concern about the welfare of the horse. Nevertheless, it found his evidence was "evasive, lacking in candour and on some aspects of the case his evidence was untrue".
Professor Crispin concluded: "...proven dishonesty has been held to come at the top end of the spectrum of gravity of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect ... Having considered carefully all the mitigation put forward on Mr Main's behalf, [we] have concluded that Mr Main's behaviour was wholly unacceptable and so serious that removal of his name from the Register is required."
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has launched its new website, which also marks the first public outing for its new livery.
The College highlights the following key changes:
The RCVS says the new corporate look is designed to be fresh, uncluttered and professional, and the new RCVS logo and strapline - "setting veterinary standards" - should leave visitors in no doubt as to the key purpose of the RCVS as a regulatory body. And whilst the new identity is modern in feel, the use of a shield device aims to maintain the link with the College's long history.
According to the College, the new brand was described by the veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who helped to develop it as "simple, clear and clean, with a strong message" and "modern and approachable".
President Peter Jinman said: "The College has been accused of being 'confused and confusing' in the past. With the new identity we have endeavoured to clarify that the College is a forward-thinking regulator - despite being established when Queen Victoria was only recently on the throne, and working to 45-year-old legislation.
"Changing the logo, font and colours we use is only a small part of the process though. Our branding review included several layers of research and we now have a better understanding of how we have been perceived, how we would like to be perceived, and what we need to do to get there. This includes changing how we behave and communicate as an organisation, as well as how we position ourselves to the outside world."
The new look, which includes new logos for RCVS Awards, the RCVS Charitable Trust and the Practice Standards Scheme, will be rolled out across other communications elements as the year unfolds, to avoid the unnecessary wastage of materials branded with the old identity.
Meanwhile, the website is a living medium, and the College says it is keen to hear feedback from users about what they like, and what could be improved, to help inform further developments.
The awards are designed to recognise successful implementation of quality improvement (QI) in veterinary practice, which can reduce avoidable errors, ensure practice is based on the best available evidence and, ultimately, save lives.
Entrants will need to demonstrate the impact that QI methods have had in their practice, such as increased efficiency, improved clinical or financial effectiveness, the development of a culture of continuous improvement, support in the use of evidence-based approaches, or a general bettering of excellence in care.
The awards are open to any member of a practice, including veterinary surgeons and nurses, practice managers, receptionists, locums, students, and more. You can also nominate a colleague, or vice versa.
Individual winners will get free tickets to an upcoming RCVS Knowledge event and be given a plaque pronouncing them a 'Knowledge Champion', while one team will scoop Knowledge’s 'Champion Practice' award.
RCVS Knowledge Executive Director Chris Gush said: "These awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the good work that is going on in practice and to highlight examples of quality improvement.
"I would encourage all – from quality improvement experts to QI beginners – to get involved and enter the awards."
The closing date to submit an application is 1st November 2018, allowing plenty of time for those interested in introducing a quality improvement initiative in their practice to do so and apply for the awards at a later date.
To learn more about QI and how you can get started, visit RCVS Knowledge's QI pages.
Alternatively, you can enter the awards here: https://knowledge.rcvs.org.uk/grants/available-grants/
The Oncology Working Group, winningly styled as 'WOW', says it hopes that the glossary will give owners a clearer understanding of the diagnosis and management choices they have, and help them discuss care with their veterinary surgeon from a more informed perspective.
The glossary is the first output from the WOW Group which was formed in 2021 to raise awareness of the latest thinking in cancer therapy and promote best practice globally.
The glossary is available to download free from the WSAVA website at: https://wsava.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Glossary-WOW-13.11.2021.pdf
WOW Group Member Professor Nick Bacon, a RCVS-Recognized Specialist in Small Animal Surgery (Oncology) and a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, said: “Cancer has a language all of its own and, during our early WOW Group discussions, it became obvious that, in order to improve communication between veterinary professionals and owners, there was an urgent need for a globally accessible resource to help owners better understand cancer terminology.
“Our Oncology Glossary is the result.
"We hope it will enable owners to feel on a more equal footing when they are discussing their pet’s condition with veterinary professionals.
"We hope it will also increase the consistency and effectiveness of communication about veterinary oncology globally.”
He added: “We will update the Oncology Glossary regularly and are now working on the development of further practical and easy-to-use tools to support veterinarians working in this rapidly evolving area of veterinary medicine.
"In the meantime, more resources are available on our web page at https://wsava.org/committees/oncology-working-group/”
Divided into four modules, the course explores vaccines and the immune system; current and emerging strains of Leptospirosis; a practical insight into infectious disease and vaccination and the importance of getting early socialisation right.
Professor Sarah Gilbert from the Jenner Institute in Oxford presents the first CPD module. She is followed by Dr Paul Burr from Biobest Laboratories, Alan Radford from the University of Liverpool and Jon Bowen of the RVC.
John Toole, Zoetis Product Manager said: "We were extremely privileged to be able to work with such an eminent group of key opinion leaders for this CPD course. We hope participants find the interview video style of this course dynamic and insightful. Users can also find an additional module on our dog vaccine Versican Plus and how it helps meet today’s infectious disease challenges as discussed by our industry experts."
To take part in this new CPD, vets simply need to register at www.vetsupportplus.co.uk where they will be able to access all the free Zoetis learning content and receive a certificate once the CPD course is completed.
This is the first confirmed finding of the virus in the UK this winter and tests have shown it is closely related to the H5N6 strain that has been circulating in wild birds across Europe in recent months. This is different to the strains which affected people in China last year and Public Health England have advised the risk to public health is very low. The Food Standards Agency have said that bird flu does not pose a food safety risk for UK consumers.
UK Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens, said: "This is the first time avian flu has been identified in the UK this winter and while the disease does not represent a threat to the public, it is highly infectious and deadly to birds.
"As the virus has been circulating across Europe, this finding has not come as a surprise. But it is vital that anyone who keeps birds - whether a few in a back garden or thousands on a farm - is vigilant for any signs of disease, reports suspect disease to APHA and maintains good biosecurity to reduce the risk of their birds becoming infected."
Local measures will be put in place to manage the potential threat. These include a local Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) in Dorset as a precautionary measure to prevent disease spread to other birds. This means all captive bird keepers in the area will have to implement enhanced biosecurity measures such as feeding and watering birds undercover so that wild birds do not co-mingle with kept birds; minimising movement in and out of bird enclosures; cleaning and disinfecting footwear; and keeping areas where birds live clean and tidy.
There are no plans for culling or movement restrictions.
BVA President John Fishwick said: "I’d encourage vets to reassure their clients that this strain of Avian Influenza poses a very low risk to public health and the food chain. Defra have acted swiftly to try and contain further spread of the disease, which has likely come from migratory birds, yet vets and poultry owners should remain vigilant for signs of the disease."
British Veterinary Poultry Association (BVPA) President Phil Hammond added: "It’s really important that all bird keepers heed biosecurity advice issued by Defra, and maintain the highest biosecurity standards. Any suspicion of Avian Influenza should be reported to the APHA as soon as possible."
Up-to-date advice and guidance on Avian Influenza is available on the Gov.UK website, including how to spot it, what to do if you suspect it, and measures to prevent it: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/avian-influenza-bird-flu#about-avian-influenza
For further advice on Avian Influenza contact the Defra Helpline on 03459 33 55 77.
Trade should not be affected following the findings in wild birds, according to the rules of the World Animal Health Organisation (OIE).
Photo: Wild Birds, Shutterstock / aDam Wildlife
The new Order will come into force on the 18th February 2020, from when students who graduate with the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree will automatically be able to join the Register of Veterinary Surgeons and to practise veterinary medicine in the UK.
The university’s Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Science (BVMSci Hons) degree will enter the College’s cyclical accreditation process and be subject to annual monitoring for quality assurance.
Accreditation of the degree was a five-year process during which the RCVS worked with the University of Surrey to ensure that its curriculum and programme met the College’s quality standards, including two interim accreditation visitations in 2017 and 2018 and a final accreditation visit in 2019.
Dr Niall Connell, RCVS President, said: “We are very glad that the University of Surrey’s veterinary degree has now cleared the last hurdle and that, as of next month, it will join the roster as the UK’s eighth recognised veterinary degree. I commend the hard work that the faculty, students and the university’s clinical partners have put in to develop the course over the past five years and we look forward to continue to work with them to ensure that the high standards are maintained."
Professor Chris Proudman, Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, said: "I am delighted that the University of Surrey’s School of Veterinary Medicine has become the UK’s eighth provider of veterinary education. The support and enthusiasm of our partner practice network has been essential in delivering our vision of competent, confident and compassionate veterinary graduates."
The full RCVS accreditation standards for veterinary degrees can be found here: www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/accrediting-primary-qualifications/accrediting-veterinary-degrees/accreditation-standards/
Photo: (from l-r) Susan Paterson, Chair of the RCVS Education Committee, Professor Chris Proudman, Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey, and Niall Connell, RCVS President.
Phil Kenward from Farm Vets South West in Bridgewater, Somerset has won a bottle of port from the Veterinary Benevolent Fund for submitting the best practical veterinary tip.
The tip was:
"Do not allow the owner's diagnosis of his problem to worry or influence you before you examine the animal yourself."
The competition was run to celebrate the launch of The Pocket Book of Tips For Practising Vets which can be ordered on-line from the Vetlife website to raise funds for the VBF charity.
Lydia Brown, President of the VBF, said: "This book has been a monumental effort by six mixed practice vets, to both share their experience with the profession and to provide very welcome funds for the veterinary profession's own charity, the VBF. We are currently raising money for the new Vet Helpline e-mail support service which will launch at the end of the year so we are extremely grateful to everybody concerned for all their efforts."
The relevant section of the Government advice states: "This [key worker status] includes those involved in food production, processing, distribution, sale and delivery, as well as those essential to the provision of other key goods (for example hygienic and veterinary medicines)."
The RCVS/BVA statement, which is intended to help veterinary surgeons decide whether or not they can claim ‘key worker’ status and ask for their children to continue to be taken into schools, reminds veterinary surgeons to consider the wider societal picture and ensure that they only claim ‘key worker’ status if absolutely necessary.
The statement also stresses that the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct responsibility of the veterinary surgeon to take steps to provide 24-hour emergency first aid and pain relief to animals according to their skills and the specific situation continues, and veterinary practices will need to continue to carry out this work. It is important that animal owners are able to focus on their own health, and not need to worry about their pets. Both the RCVS and BVA believe that veterinary surgeons who are providing this essential work can be considered key workers.
The statement in full is as follows:
Veterinary surgeons as key workers in relation to school closures
RCVS and BVA appreciate that veterinary surgeons will feel a great deal of uncertainty at the present time, and that many will be facing considerable difficulties due to the closure of schools for most pupils.
The official government advice can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-maintaining-educational-provision/guidance-for-schools-colleges-and-local-authorities-on-maintaining-educational-provision.
The guidance emphasises that if children can be at home then they should be, in order to help to prevent the virus from spreading.
The government has granted key worker status by sector rather than profession. Some veterinary work will definitely fall into the ‘key worker’ category. RCVS and BVA are therefore providing some additional advice below, following consultation with the UK Chief Veterinary Officer:
SummaryAt this time the provision of public health and the maintenance of food production need to take priority, and veterinary surgeons working in these areas should be considered key workers.
Veterinary surgeons working in emergency care can also be considered key workers. This will not apply to every veterinary surgeon in clinical practice, and practices may need to consider rationalising their services to achieve this.
The guidance has been welcomed by both the BSAVA and BEVA. David Mountford, Chief Executive of BEVA said: "As veterinary professionals we are duty-bound to provide essential care, relieve suffering and protect the health of the public. Recognition as key workers in such circumstances is welcomed but we would encourage vets to only add to the burden faced by schools where animal welfare is at risk and all other avenues have been explored."
Cryptisel is for use in reducing oocyst shedding in calves where diarrhoea caused by Cryptosporidium is a problem. After the presence of the causal organism has been established, Forte says Cryptisel can be used in all new-born calves to break the cycle of transmission and multiplication on-farm.
Dr John Henderson, Large Animal Product Manager with Forte Healthcare Ltd said: "Cryptisel will be a very useful medicine in the control of the most commonly-identified scour pathogen in the UK and Ireland. Used alongside the calf-rearing cornerstones of good colostrum management, hygiene, and biosecurity, Cryptisel will reduce production of Cryptosporidium oocysts and help limit spread of the disease among susceptible calves."
Cryptisel is a POM, available in 490ml and 980ml bottles. Both sizes come with a metered dosing pump for convenient administration.
For further information, contact your local Forte Territory Manager or email enquiries@fortehealthcare.com.
The 2-day Change Catalyst Veterinary Retreat will take place at Roaches Hall on the Derbyshire/Staffordshire border from 15-17th May 2018, after which participants will receive three months of personal one-to-one coaching.
The organisers say that during the retreat, which is provided in partnership with Natural Change, participants will take part in a series of largely outdoor activities that draw on the potential of nature. They will also be introduced to some simple nature-based techniques to look after their wellbeing and to reflect on their personal or professional journey. Post-retreat personal coaching is included to help reinforce and embed these changes or assist in developing the insights gained during the retreat.
The retreat is aimed at veterinary surgeons who are at a career crossroads, making major decisions about the direction of their career or for those looking for an opportunity to help develop capacity, build resilience and to improve wellbeing. The organisers say it offers time and space to get away from everyday concerns, re-energise and focus on what really matters as well as helping vets reflect, refresh and reconnect with nature.
The retreat is open to a maximum of 16 participants who will work with two facilitators. The follow up coaching is one to one, personal, and confidential.
Director, Adrian Nelson-Pratt said: "Vets have well documented challenges with work-life balance that lead to a disconnection from the natural world. Feelings of isolation, loss of career direction or in the worst-case, deterioration in physical and mental health can follow.
"Having experienced the Natural Change process myself, I found it a deeply reflective and restorative experience. It allowed me the time and space to develop some new ideas and to re-invigorate myself.
"The Change Catalyst Vet Retreat is the result of this process for me and I think it’s a powerful tool to support vets on a personal and professional level. It’s also an appropriate contribution to your annual CPD requirement."
Tickets cost £1500 and are available at https://www.emerge-veterinary.com/join-us/the-change-catalyst/ or for more information contact: adrian@emerge-veterinary.com
Phovia, which was launched in the UK last year, is a two-part FLE system consisting of a chromophore gel that is applied to the affected skin and a blue light LED lamp.
Vetoquinol says that when used together they produce light of varying wavelengths that penetrates the skin to different depths, helping to control bacteria and reduce inflammation on the surface of the skin and stimulating regeneration in the epidermal and dermal layers.
The unit is portable, and applications take four minutes once a week.
The authors of the Vetoquinol-funded study say that FLE has already been shown to support and accelerate natural skin healing, but this latest research shows that the benefits go beyond improvement in clinical signs.
The study looked at 35 dogs with a diverse range of skin conditions: 13 had interdigital furunculosis, 10 had deep pyoderma, 6 had wounds, 4 had pyotraumatic dermatitis, and 2 had perianal fistula on presentation.
Eight of 35 dogs were new cases, whereas the remaining 27 were undergoing recrudescence of a prior episode, including pyotraumatic dermatitis, wounds, deep pyoderma, interdigital furunculosis and perianal fistulae.
Thirty dogs (86%) achieved a clinical resolution: 18 with the Fluorescent Light Energy alone and 12 with the concomitant use of FLE and topical antiseptic shampoo.
Five dogs (14%) had a partial response and needed other therapies.
92% percent of owners attested to their pet’s enhanced quality of life, with 74% of dogs displaying at least a 50% improvement in owner-reported behaviour, mood, sleep and playing activities.
The study also reported a 46% reduction in caregiver burden.
Felicity Caddick, Technical Services Manager at Vetoquinol said: “Managing skin conditions often requires the long-term use of shampoos or topical therapies.
"Many owners find this aspect of pet ownership challenging, especially with larger dogs, or less cooperative animals.
"FLE can reduce or in some cases eliminate the need for topical therapies at home, not only simplifying the treatment process but also enhancing convenience and compliance.
"Sharing responsibility for administering ongoing treatment with their vet practice also removes some of the worry associated with their pet’s health.”
Vetoquinol also highlights that Phovia can offer vets a drug-free management option for skin disorders that aligns with the principles of antibiotic stewardship.
Reference
Sporimune is the first ciclosporin oral solution to be licensed for use in both cats and dogs.
In cats with allergic dermatitis, ciclosporin has proved to be an effective alternative to prednisolone1 Dechra says it has a long-term safety record for chronic treatment of canine atopic dermatitis and remains one of the most important tools within a multi-modal strategy.
Sporimune is available with two dosing syringes per bottle – one for cats and one for dogs – that are graduated in body weight and ml.
There are three bottle sizes to allow for flexibility in dispensing and broached bottles last six months.
Dechra Brand Manager Claire Morgan said: "We are delighted to be able to introduce this popular and effective treatment for cats.
"Allergic skin disease can be challenging to diagnose and manage effectively for both owners and vets, with around 20 per cent of all small animal consultations involving skin conditions.
"Sporimune is a key component of a multi-modal approach involving guidance on allergen and flare factor avoidance and improving skin and coat hygiene to minimise clinical signs and the effects on quality of life for both animal and owner."
Kathryn hosts one of Ireland’s highest rated TV programmes which helps people to improve their health, lose weight and get fit. As part of the campaign, she will be encouraging pet owners to think about their feeding habits and sharing top dietary tips with over 100,000 followers on her Instagram feed.
John O’Connor MRCVS, Corporate Affairs Director at Royal Canin said: "There are some simple steps pet owners can take to help manage their pet’s weight. For example, measuring cups can lead to pet owners potentially feeding up to 80% more than they should1. Using digital kitchen scales to weigh the food ensures they are feeding their pet exactly the right amount."
John continued, “While it can be hard to resist the temptation to give our pets a little extra treat to show we love them, feeding a dog a rawhide bone could provide them with 67% more calories than they need each day and feeding a cat just 30g of cheese increases their daily energy intake by 60%."
The company says the new addition leverages a combination of image recognition technology, algorithms, and cloud-based deep learning AI to enable accurate, in-clinic sediment analysis of fresh urine, delivering results within minutes.
The system evaluates red and white blood cells, squamous and other epithelial cells (e.g. urothelial and renal tubular epithelial cells), hyaline and non-hyaline casts, struvite and calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals, and cocci and rod bacteria.
Zoetis says its performance is comparable to that of a clinical pathologist.
Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Global Diagnostics Medical Affairs at Zoetis said: “Urinalysis is an essential diagnostic test for veterinary surgeons, and often a good indicator of potential wider issues.
"Having the ability to get these results faster will improve the speed and level of care teams can provide their patients, facilitating efficient medical decision-making and helping to ensure smooth workflows.
The findings will be published in a freely-available and independently-authored report.
Jane Balmain, Chief Operating Officer at Vets4Pets (pictured right), said: “The last 18 months have been indescribably tough for everyone, not least the veterinary practice teams. Soaring levels of pet ownership coupled with recruitment challenges have meant that an already-stretched profession has been almost brought to its knees.
"As a profession, you’ve always put pets first. But now it’s time to also concentrate on you - the vets, nurses and support teams that make up our beloved sector. We want to hear how you’re feeling and give you the power to help us make change.
“By launching this sector-wide survey, we’re kick-starting a vital conversation to protect the wellbeing of vet teams and the future of the profession. We believe that, by sharing experiences openly and honestly from all corners of the sector, we can come together to bring about the much-needed changes to ensure it remains an attractive, long-term career option.”
The survey, which runs until 16th November 2021, can be completed at www.projectlisten.co.uk. Respondents will remain anonymous and no data will be collected via the survey.
The company is now inviting practices to sign up for the free Beta trial and shape the development of the new platform and how video consultations can be integrated into traditional ways of working.
The platform, which can be branded with the practice logo, uses an app which clients download onto their mobile devices and use to book appointments. The system has its own appointment booking system, but also integrates with Vetstoria. When an appointment is booked via video, practitioners see it in their PMS. They then visit their online account, select the relevant appointment and click ‘start video call’. Payment can be collected from the owner prior to the consultation.
Susie Samuel, Managing Director of VetHelpDirect said: "While developing this product, we have been mindful that the use of telemedicine in our industry has been hugely controversial. We believe that inviting local vets to trial and refine this technology, using their team to work with their own clients removes many of the risks and dangers otherwise inherent in the proposition."
I agree wholeheartedly. The controversy over telemedicine has been about the idea of allowing the prescription of drugs to animals that have not been seen in person. Using a service like this (or the one launched by the Virtual Vet Group last year) to offer video consultations to patients that are already under your care strikes me as an altogether different kettle of fish. I think it will help improve engagement with existing clients, by reducing unnecessary trips to the practice for follow-up or post-operative consultations, saving time, money and the planet.
Susie added: "In our fast-moving world pet owners are increasingly reliant on technology and expect to be able to access services easily. The results of our recent VetHelpDirect research of 419 owners showed 38% of survey respondents said they would like to have the option of a video consultation if it was offered by their own vet. If we are to keep up with this demand, we need to embrace new ways of working."
VetHelpDirect says that whilst it believes that the growth in the use of this technology will change the way veterinary medicine is practiced, video consultations will always work alongside in-person consultations, as just one tool in an overall strategy of care, and certainly will not replace face to face diagnosis.
Let's hope so.
Susie added: "What is clear from our research is that whilst clients would like to be able to have video consultations with a vet their strong preference is for this to be with their own vet; whilst 38% of people would use video consultations with their own vet this falls to only 7% if it is provided by a vet not known to them.
"Of course, telemedicine is by no means the answer in every case, what the new service does offer is flexibility for practitioners and the ability to work in new ways that will benefit the animals and owners. For example, giving free telephone advice has become common place in many practices but is very hard to monetise. Video consultations provide a commercial solution to this problem.”
For more information, or to join the trial, contact Susie Samuel susie@vethelpdirect.com
Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has launched Posatex (1% Orbifloxacin, 0.1% Mometasone Furoate Monohydrate and 0.1% Posaconazole, Otic Suspension), a new once-a-day treatment for otitis externa in dogs.
Posatex combines an antibacterial, an anti-inflammatory and an antifungal medication in one, seven-day treatment which the company describes as the 'next generation' treatment for severe otitis externa in dogs, designed to make compliance easier and bring fast relief to dogs suffering from this painful condition.
Allan Weingarten, Director, Pharmaceutical Research, and Posatex R&D Project Leader, said: "As every dog owner knows, this is a 'nightmare' disease. As experts in otic products, we feel a special responsibility to keep improving medications and continuing to make the course of treatment more effective, quicker and easier for both dogs and their caregivers. The novel triazole antifungal posaconazole, new to animal health, is the latest example of innovation in this product area."
Posatex Otic Suspension, available in 7.5, 15 and 30g plastic bottles, is indicated for the treatment of otitis externa associated with susceptible strains of yeast (Malassezia pachydermatis) and bacteria (coagulase positive staphylococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis).
According to the company, posaconazole, the newest element in the three-in-one combination, has been shown to be particularly effective against Malassezia pachydermatis and more potent than other veterinary antifungals. Mometasone furoate monohydrate is a potent and safe anti-inflammatory and Orbifloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic with proven efficacy against bacteria.
For veterinary nurses, Schedule 3 is arguably one of the most important aspects of the Veterinary Surgeons Act, partly defining what it means to be a nurse, and defining what tasks veterinary surgeons can reasonably delegate.
Thus far, however, Schedule 3 has only been loosely defined, allowing for veterinary nurses to (under the direction of their veterinary surgeon employer) 'give medical treatment or carry out acts of minor surgery, not involving entry into a body cavity'.
There is evidence from the RCVS/BVNA VN Futures project that uncertainty about what this definition actually means in practice has stopped veterinary surgeons from delegating tasks which could both improve practice efficiency and make the role of the veterinary nurse more interesting, varied and rewarding.
The consultation - and the broader review of Schedule 3 of which it forms a part - aims to create a 'clarified and bolstered VN role via a reformed Schedule 3'.
Liz Cox, Chair of both the Schedule 3 Working Party and VN Council, said: "The future of veterinary nursing is both challenging and exciting, with the convergence of such factors as Brexit, the development of new technologies, and the increasing specialisation of veterinary surgeons, and we would very much like to know how you think the role of veterinary nurse will evolve.
"In light of this we very much encourage all veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons to complete this consultation. Evidence gathered during the initial stage of the VN Futures project suggested that there is some uncertainty around the interpretation of Schedule 3 in clinical practice. For example, many veterinary nurses do not undertake Schedule 3 work or are uncertain as to whether they do, while some veterinary surgeons are reluctant to delegate Schedule 3 tasks to veterinary nurses.
"With this survey we hope to get a better steer on how Schedule 3 is used and interpreted in practice on a day-to-day basis and gather views on where both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses feel the current legislation could be clarified. Furthermore, we also want to know if there are areas of practice that are currently prohibited to nurses under current Schedule 3 arrangements that the professions believe could be opened up to veterinary nurses as a means of bolstering the profession."
Liz Cox and David Catlow MRCVS, Chair of the Standards Committee, will also be presenting a webinar on Thursday 11 May from 1pm to 2pm titled ‘The Art of Delegation – Schedule 3 Consultation’. It will focus on Schedule 3 and the role of the veterinary nurse, and explore possible areas to consider when responding to the consultation. To subscribe to the webinar, please visit The Webinar Vet’s website: www.thewebinarvet.com/webinar/art-delegation-schedule-3-consultation/
All eligible veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have been emailed with a link to survey.
Further information about the VN Futures project can be found at www.vetfutures.org.uk/vnfutures
The legislation will come into effect from May 2018, at which point businesses will have six months to comply. The penalty for failing to comply will be an enforcement notice to the business or prosecution.
In August 2017, the Secretary of State launched a consultation on the plans to deliver a manifesto commitment for CCTV to be required in every slaughterhouse in England in all areas where live animals are present, with unrestricted access to footage for Official Veterinarians.
A summary of responses published in November showed that of almost 4,000 respondents, more than 99% were supportive of the plans.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and want to cement our status as a global leader by continuing to raise the bar.
"Introducing compulsory CCTV cameras in slaughterhouses is a further demonstration to consumers around the world that as we leave the EU, we continue to produce our food to the very highest standards.
"The previous reaction to the consultation highlighted the strength of feeling among the public that all animals should be treated with the utmost respect at all stages of life and be subject to the highest possible welfare standards."
The proposals will also give the Food Standards Agency’s (FSA) Official Veterinarians (OVs) unfettered access to the last 90 days of footage to help them monitor and enforce animal welfare standards.
BVA President John Fishwick said: "Mandatory CCTV in all areas of slaughterhouses will provide an essential tool in fostering a culture of compassion that could help safeguard animal welfare.
"We commend the Government’s commitment to provide Official Veterinarians with unrestricted access to the footage, which the veterinary profession has long been campaigning for.
"It is vets’ independence and unique qualifications that help ensure the UK will continue to have the highest standards of animal health, welfare and food safety post-Brexit."
Photo: Lititz, Pennsylvania. Hoisting a slaughtered steer in Benjamin Lutz's slaughterhouse, 1942. Wikipedia.
The guide explains:
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/features/standards-and-advice-update-advice-published-on-amended
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/veterinary-medicines-guidance-notes-vmgns
A major consultation of the National Occupational Standards required by veterinary nurses will take place throughout April 2010, giving veterinary nurses, employers and organisations the opportunity to ensure their ways of working are accurately reflected.
Lantra, the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries, is leading the UK wide project, which will lead to a revised list of skills needed for student and registered veterinary nurses to be able to do their job properly. Lantra is seeking individuals and organisations representing veterinary nursing and veterinary surgeons to participate in the online consultation and help ensure that National Occupational Standards fit modern business needs.
Lisa Jarvis, Industry Partnership Manager for veterinary nursing at Lantra and a RVN herself, said: "The National Occupational Standards identify the detailed knowledge, understanding, ability and experiences somebody needs to carry out their job effectively and they also form the basis of veterinary nursing qualifications. Industry input is critical for this review and so now is the time for you to go online and have your say."
Many employers and industry representatives from across the UK are supporting this extensive review.
Catherine Corden, a Veterinary Surgeon at the Northlands Veterinary Hospital, said: "I decided to get involved with this review so that I can actually contribute to the changes in the standards, instead of moaning about them afterwards. I think they are really important for industry as they maintain the standards of veterinary nurse training and I think industry should be getting involved with the upcoming consultation to help ensure these changes are relevant to the profession at large."
The online consultation will take place from Thursday 1 April to Friday 30 April, and will give all those interested parties the opportunity to review and comment on the standards for veterinary nurses.
Lisa said: "National Occupational Standards cannot be developed without your help. Only by working together can we ensure that the revised Standards will take into account any new business practices and make them fit for purpose and valued by employers."
To take part in the consultation and help industry get the most out of the skills system, visit www.lantra.co.uk/vn-nos. For more information about National Occupational Standards, email standardsandquals@lantra.co.uk, or call Lantra on 02476 858 424.
Eurovet Animal Health has launched Marbiflox 10%, a new marbofloxacin preparation for the treatment of respiratory infections in cattle and pigs.
Eurovet says the product can be used flexibly to provide a single dose treatment, with a concentration-dependent effect and a relatively short withdrawal period. Marbiflox can be administered intravenously, subcutaneously or intramuscularly in cattle or intramuscularly in pigs.
The main indications, with reference to good prescribing practice, are for the treatment of respiratory infections caused by sensitive strains of Pasteurella multocida, Mannheimia haemolytica, and Histophilus somni and acute forms of mastitis induced by marbofloxacin-sensitive Escherichia coli strains, during lactation. In pigs the main indication is in the treatment of MMA (metritis mastitis agalactia syndrome).
Further information about Marbiflox and the complete Eurovet range of products is available from Eurovet Animal Health. www.eurovet-ah.co.uk/.