Procapen contains a high dose of procaine benzyl penicillin, a narrow spectrum antibiotic which targets the most important pathogens in fresh cases of mastitis in cows and is the drug of choice against benzylpenicillin-susceptible streptococci and staphlococci.
Marcus Scott, Large Animal Business Manager at Forte said: "With the widespread shortage of intramammary tubes at the moment, Procapen provides a welcome solution for many mastitis cases."
For more information, contact your local Forte Territory Manager or email: enquiries@fortehealthcare.com.
Defra has confirmed that equine infectious anaemia (EIA) has been detected in two horses in Wiltshire following importation from Romania via Belgium.
The premises is currently under restriction and the two infected horses will be humanely destroyed in line with existing regulations. The other horses on the premises will be subject to epidemiological investigation in the coming weeks. A further two horses have also been under investigation and test results have proved negative.
The animals arrived in a group of 10 horses, nine of which originated from Romania and one from Belgium. The nine Romanian horses were tested for EIA as part of routine post-import testing. Seven horses all tested negative. The horse that originated in Belgium is due to be tested shortly.
Chief Veterinary Officer, Nigel Gibbens said: "This is the first case of equine infectious anaemia infected animals being imported into Great Britain since 1976 and shows the success of our post import testing regime. These were apparently healthy horses carrying a notifiable disease that we are keen to keep out of Great Britain. After considering the risk I have decided to take appropriate action and humanely destroy these two horses that tested positive."
The MSD Animal Health Research Bursary for Veterinary Surgeons offers three awards, consisting of two ruminant bursaries and one companion animal bursary, of up to £4,000 each.
Each project should be completed within one to two years and the vet practitioner proposals will be judged by university academics to ensure independent assessment.
The companion animal research bursary will be assessed by the University of Nottingham Centre for Evidence-based Veterinary Medicine and the ruminant research bursary applications will be assessed by academic staff from the University of Bristol School of Veterinary Science.
Michelle Townley, veterinary advisor at MSD Animal Health (pictured right) said: "Our Vet Surgeon Research Bursaries have an important role to play in encouraging vet surgeons to continue to develop their research skills. New knowledge and good research skills form the life-blood of the industry so we’re keen to see proposals from both ruminant and companion animal practitioners. Being awarded a bursary has proved to be a career-changing experience for some participants so we’re keen to get as many applications as possible as part of our investment in the veterinary industry."
The deadline for entries is 30th November 2018. For more information, visit www.msdahresearchbursary.co.uk.
The awards are to recognise the work carried out by veterinary professionals.
Last year Petplan had a remarkable 37,000 nominations, for the five award categories: Practice of the Year, Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year.
James Barnes, head of sales & partnerships at Petplan, said: “For over two decades we’ve been recognising the brilliant work of the UK’s veterinary professionals. Every year the quality of entries is incredibly high but we know that during 2020 the profession really went the extra mile to take care of the nation’s pets so we expect the 2021 awards to be extra special.
To nominate a colleague or your practice, visit: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards before nominations close on 18th January 2021.
Buprecare is indicated for post-operative analgesia and the potentiation of the sedative effects of centrally-acting agents in dogs, as well as post-operative analgesia in cats.
It is presented in a 10 ml multi-use bottle.
Animalcare Product Manager Eleanor Workman Wright said: "Buprenorphine is a potent, high affinity, synthetic opioid.
"It plays a central role in many practice anaesthesia protocols so we are delighted to announce that it is back in stock."
For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or contact Animalcare’s head office on 01904 487687.
Dr Mostert admitted to his conviction but denied that it rendered him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon.
He also admitted not disclosing his conviction to the RCVS but denied that it amounted to dishonesty or was misleading and that failing to do so amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
The Committee first considered whether Dr Mostert’s conviction affected the public interest, which included the need to maintain public confidence in the profession by upholding proper standards of conduct and behaviour for members of the profession.
The Committee noted that the conviction involved dishonesty relating to false statements about the value of goods sent to the USA.
The Committee felt that a conviction for a serious offence involving dishonesty would have a negative impact on public confidence in the profession, and that its reputation would be damaged if proper standards of conduct and behaviour were not upheld.
The Committee also noted that as the products that Dr Mostert imported into the USA were not labelled as coming from a foreign market and were not labelled as needing to be administered by a vet, his conviction also related to animal safety, as anyone who accessed the medications could believe that it was safe for them to be given to an animal.
The Committee then considered Dr Mostert’s failure to declare the conviction to the College on three separate occasions.
Dr Mostert testified that, at the time, he did not believe he had to disclose his conviction as it occurred in a country where he had not practised as a veterinary surgeon.
He also said he had not taken the time to read and interpret the application form accurately.
However, the Committee considered that the wording around convictions on the application and annual renewal forms is very clear and that, as a veterinary surgeon, Dr Mostert would be familiar with such documents.
The Committee considered that it was inconceivable that an experienced veterinary surgeon, making a declaration of this kind to his regulator, would not have understood that a serious conviction in the USA, dating from June 2017, was a conviction that he was obliged to disclose.
The Committee therefore found Dr Mostert’s failures to declare his conviction dishonest.
Judith Way, Chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, noted that in deciding upon the appropriate sanction, the case did not involve any actual harm to an animal or human and that Dr Mostert had had a long and otherwise unblemished career.
However, a key aggravating factor was that the action that led to the conviction resulted in financial gain through the creation of a business enterprise and that Dr Mostert falsely declared the value of goods.
The extent of any financial gain was not known to the Committee, but the business operated on the basis that false declarations were repeatedly made.
Judith said: “After careful consideration the Committee has concluded that in all the circumstances, a lengthy period of suspension would properly reflect the gravity of the case and satisfy the public interest. The Committee has decided that the appropriate length of suspension is one of 18 months.”
The Committee’s full findings can be viewed at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The Royal Veterinary College has taken over administration James McCunn Memorial Fund.
The Charity Fund had been operated by the Central Veterinary Society Council since 1967 when it was set up by veterinary surgeons in memory of the late Professor Major James McCunn FRCS., LRCP, MRCVS. The Fund's aim is to reward top anatomy students at the RVC and help towards their student costs.
At the handover ceremony last week, the RVC unveiled a plaque to name the anatomy demonstration room in memory of Professor McCunn. Addressing the guests, Professor Stuart Reid, the Principal of the RVC, said: "Professor James McCunn was a rare individual, having obtained his degree in both medicine and veterinary medicine. One might feel he was ahead of his time as the RCVS and BMA look to the future of 'one medicine, one health' irrespective of species."
The Central Veterinary Society says it would like to thank the RVC for organising the event and for taking on the administration of the James McCunn Memorial Fund. Under its stewardship the Fund will continue to help the students at the college and promote a thorough appreciation of anatomy in tomorrow's veterinarians.
Administered between the dog’s cheek and gum at the dose of 125 mcg/m2, dexmedetomidine is absorbed across the oral mucosa, delivering a micro-dose at approximately 1/4 of the IM dose.
It is given as soon as the dog shows signs of anxiety or fear, or when typical triggers of fear are detected by the owner.
Re-dosing of up to four times is possible with at least two hours pause between doses.
There's a new dial-to-dose syringe designed to make Sileo easier to administer, and redesigned packaging with a QR code which links to an instructional video for owners.
Emma Hancox, Veterinary Advisor at TVM, said: "Up to 50% of dogs suffer from noise anxiety, which can be extremely distressing both for pets and their owners.
"While many people associate their pet’s anxiety with occasions such as bonfire night, noise-anxiety can apply to everyday noises such as vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers and by social events or parties, which could have a much greater impact on the dog’s everyday welfare.
For more information, email help@tvm-uk.com, call 0800 0385868 visit or contact your local Territory Manager.
There are nine candidates standing in this year’s elections, including five existing Council members eligible for re-election and four candidates not currently on Council. They are:
Dr Linda Belton MRCVSAt a glance: Equine clinician. Director of George Veterinary Group, a 40-vet independent practice. Wants to safeguard veterinary surgeons' clinical freedom and prevent it being eroded as a result of corporatisation.
Dr Niall Connell MRCVSAt a glance: After a career largely in small animal charitable practice, Niall had to retire from clinical practice as a result of MS. Has been a council member since 2013 and now RCVS President-elect. By all accounts, something of a national treasure. Wants the College to: "regulate compassionately in partnership with our profession".
Mr John C Davies MRCVSAt a glance: Small animal practitioner who, having had his fingers burned in a failed joint venture arrangement and parts of his election manifesto redacted by the RCVS (it can be read in full here: http://www.johndaviesvet.com), now campaigns for justice, integrity, accountability, freedom of speech and due diligence at the College and in the wider profession.
Dr Joanna (Jo) Dyer MRCVSAt a glance: Small animal locum practitioner who was first elected to council in 2015 after successfully lobbying for changes to the CoPC Guidance following Chikosi. An all round good egg. Argues passionately against changes to the Code of Conduct to allow remote prescribing of POM-Vs.
Professor Timothy (Tim) Greet FRCVSAt a glance: Widely-published equine practitioner and past-pres of BEVA, BVA and WEVA. In favour of RCVS regulation of para-professionals. Argues that whilst technology is to be welcomed, diagnosis and prescribing must be restricted to animals 'under our care'.
Professor John Innes FRCVSAt a glance: RCVS Specialist in small animal orthopaedics (with 85 peer-reviewed papers to his name) and Referrals Director at CVS. Pledges to speak as an independent veterinary surgeon - not a corporate representative - if elected. On record as being pleased that the proposed RCVS telemedicine trial was delayed pending further consultation. In favour of 'nurse practitioner' becoming a regulated option for RVNs.
Dr Thomas (Tom) Lonsdale MRCVSAt a glance: Single-issue candidate with a 23-year history of standing for election to draw attention to the supposed evils of commercial pet foods. Based in Australia. 2000-1 outsider.
Dr Katherine (Kate) Richards MRCVSAt a glance: 15 years in farm animal practice before taking up various positions in industry and government. Champions a healthy work-life balance, fair pay, workplace flexibility and supportive work practices.
Mr Peter Robinson MRCVSAt a glance: A long career in independent farm, equine and small animal practice, followed by a stint in sole practice in Dubai. Has been on Council for 4 years. Like Jo Dyer, argues that when it comes to remote prescribing and telemedicine, "we must not change the standards of ‘under our care'."
Ballot papers and booklets containing candidates’ details and manifestos have been sent by post to all veterinary surgeons eligible to vote and an email containing a unique link to a secure voting site has also been sent by Electoral Reform Services, which runs the election on behalf of the College.
All votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2019.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar and Returning Officer for the election, said: "Last year we saw another very strong turnout for the RCVS Council election with over a fifth of the profession casting votes. The turnout was again helped by regular email reminders and the fact the voting website can be easily accessed by just clicking on a link.
"I would like to remind the profession that, following last year’s changes to our governance structure after a Legislative Reform Order was passed through Parliament, you can now only choose up to three candidates. I do hope members of the profession take this opportunity to influence the governance and policies of the RCVS."
Those who are eligible to vote but have not received either an email or ballot paper should contact Luke Bishop, RCVS Senior Communications Officer, on l.bishop@rcvs.org.uk.
Royal Canin is to launch a hepatic diet for cats.
Available from July 2011, Royal Canin Hepatic Feline is designed to provide nutritional support to the cat post-surgery and throughout a wide range of clinical conditions including cholangitis, cholestasis, portosystemic shunts, hepatic encephalopathy, liver failure and hepatic copper accumulation.
Royal Canin says the diet includes the use of highly digestible vegetable proteins which reduce the workload of the recovering liver; low copper levels to help reduce the risk to the liver of damage caused by copper and bile interaction; an exclusive antioxidant complex to neutralise free radicals, and balanced mineral levels to help counteract electrolyte imbalances caused by liver disease.
The company also says Royal Canin Hepatic Feline is 'outstandingly palatable', making it much easier for the cat (and the owner) to adhere to the regime.
Royal Canin Hepatic Canine is also available in both wet and dry versions. For more information, contact your Royal Canin Veterinary Business Manager, call 0845 717 800, or visit http://www.royalcanin.co.uk/.
Accredited by the European School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ESVPS) and due to be validated by Harper Adams University, Improve says the new Cert will be delivered over 14 modules in three blocks of training by globally recognised experts in practical training centres in Sheffield, UK; Cremona, Italy and Madrid, Spain.
The modules will be supported by an online learning platform providing notes, additional learning resources and the ability for delegates to discuss clinical cases in a closed forum.
David Babington MRCVS, Business Development Director at Improve International, said: "Our GPAdvCert in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery is a natural progression for veterinary surgeons who want to develop their soft tissue surgery skills.
"The programme focuses on problem-solving to increase confidence in diagnosing and stabilising animals with complex pathologies and delegates will have plenty of opportunity to practise new surgical techniques and advanced procedures under close supervision in a wet-lab environment."
He added: "In common with our other GPAdvCerts in Orthopaedics and Small Animal Medicine, achieving this qualification will help vets in practice to reduce the number of patients they have to refer, enabling them to retain a higher level of income for their practice. The programme will also provide them with skills which they can pass onto their team."
The GPAdvCert in Small Animal Soft Tissue Surgery is aimed at veterinary surgeons who have already completed a General Practitioner Certificate in Small Animal Surgery (GPCertSAS) or a Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) in Small Animal Surgery.
Improve says the successful achievement of a GPAdvCert enables delegates to progress from a Postgraduate Certificate (or equivalent) to the Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences in the UK, which is awarded by Harper Adams University. This can, in turn, be used towards the award of a Master’s Degree (MSc) in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences.
Zoetis says the Vetscan OptiCell represents a significant leap forward in technology and offers meaningful time, cost and space savings for veterinary healthcare teams, contributing to better patient outcomes and a more efficient clinic workflow.
It uses cell-focusing and AI-powered classification technology for CBC analysis, delivering a claimed lab quality accuracy at the point of care.
Dr. Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Global Chief Medical Officer and Head of Medical Affairs at Zoetis said: “Vetscan OptiCell delivers high-quality results, enables improved efficiency, and provides a compact footprint.
"For the first time, we are able to use advanced AI image recognition technology to characterise the blood cells instead of relying on their size or other physical parameters.”
Pre-orders will be available in the UK later this year.
The new series comprises six online discussions taking place over the course of the spring, covering everything from diversity to creativity to identity.
The upcoming programme of events is as follows:
Tuesday 1st March 2022 7pm to 8pm: Celebrating diversityChaired by Gurpreet Gill, RCVS Leadership & Inclusion Manager. Panel members Lacey Pitcher RVN, Dr Olivia Anderson-Nathan MRCVS and Samantha Payne RVN will be talking about what celebrating diversity means to people, exploring how this links to mental health, and sharing their thoughts on why – and how – the professions should be working towards greater inclusivity, both in and out of the workplace.
Monday 21st March 2022 7pm to 8pm: The joy of creativityThis discussion will look at why creativity is so important for people’s lives and how it can be used to support mental health and wellbeing with a panel comprising Dr Silvia Janksa MRCVS and Olivia Oginska MRCVS.
Tuesday 5th April 2022 7pm to 8pm: Overcoming self-doubt and stressing outThis discussion will consider the main causes of stress in the veterinary workforce and how this may have shifted throughout the pandemic. The discussion will encompass coping strategies, the ways in which stress can be channelled in a more constructive way, and overcoming feelings of self-doubt.
Thursday 21st April 2022 7pm to 8pm: Identity – who am I away from work?This discussion will consider to what extent veterinary professionals should let their careers define them, the importance of understanding oneself in and out of a work setting, and how people can learn to value, accept, and appreciate their whole selves.
Tuesday 3rd May 2022 7pm to 8pm: Saying goodbye…letting go and learning to growThis discussion will consider how best to cope with the various types of loss that may be encountered in an individual’s professional and personal life, and how to learn, adapt and grow from these losses.
Thursday 12th May 2022 7pm to 8pm: Tackling loneliness in a hyperconnected worldThis Campfire Chat will discuss why meaningful connection and having a sense of belonging matters, and how individuals and communities can tackle loneliness in a hyperconnected world.
Angharad Belcher, Director of the Mind Matters Initiative, said: “We all lead busy professional and personal lives and sometimes it means that self-care, which includes talking to others about how we’re feeling and about issues that we find important to us, can fall by the wayside.
“Our Campfire Chats offer a perfect opportunity – and excuse – to take a bit of time out of your schedule to engage in a structured but informal discussion about all manner of subjects, expertly led by a chair and panel with experience, lived and otherwise, on the topic being talked about.
“These events are for the whole veterinary team, we keep the sessions very informal, and there is also the opportunity to share or ask questions of the panel.”
To sign up for the first session, visit https://bit.ly/3GnQK0G.
For further information about the events contact Abi Hanson, Mind Matters Initiative Officer, on a.hanson@rcvs.org.uk
The company says the sponsorship aims to expand the inclusion of under-represented groups in veterinary education.
Peter Holland, Associate Dean for Partnerships and Enterprise in UCLan’s School of Veterinary Medicine, said: “The University has a keen focus on improving access to, and inclusion of, under-represented communities in higher education, and the new School of Veterinary Medicine holds this ethos very much at its core.
"We took a different approach to selecting students for our BVMS course as we wanted to widen participation in veterinary education by addressing some of the demographic or circumstantial barriers that have denied people the chances of learning and becoming the next generation of vets.”
“As a ‘widening participation’ sponsor, Medivet is investing significantly in UCLan’s students to enable the school to realise many of its ambitions to broaden the entry pool into veterinary higher education, and is actively supporting their development across the five years for a successful future in the profession.”
Chris Cools, CEO of Medivet, said: “Our profession needs great clinical talent for a long term, healthy and sustainable future, and we are proud to support UCLan in its ambition to attract, teach and train a new generation of veterinary students from all backgrounds.”
The first cohort of 78 BVMS students enrolled in early September, with intake numbers rising to 120 per year after two years.
MMI seeks to address mental health and wellbeing issues within the veterinary profession, while the Doctors’ Support Network provides peer support for doctors and medical students with mental health concerns.
&me was launched this time last year at the Palace of Westminster at an event sponsored by Kevan Jones MP (Labour, North Durham,) who has spoken about his own experiences with depression.
Overall eleven &me ambassadors have volunteered their own stories with mental ill-health:
A number of &me ambassadors will be taking part in an ‘&me live’ session at BSAVA Congress, from 5-8 April 2018 in Birmingham, providing a short overview of their story before taking questions from the audience. The session will take place from 8.30 to 10.10am on Saturday 7 April and will be open to all those attending Congress.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO and Mind Matters Director, said: "The feedback our &me ambassadors have received is truly heartening.
"Steve Carter, for example, had both an ex-student and colleague comment on his story thanking him for all he’s done, while a Facebook post about Rob Pettitt reached nearly 25,000 people.
"The campaign highlights how it is possible to recover from mental ill-health and flourish in your career, with the aim of encouraging those at the start of their mental ill-health experience to seek appropriate help, whether that is something profession-specific, such as Vetlife or DSN, or their GP."
Louise Freeman, Co-Chair of the DSN, added: "Many healthcare professionals face similar pressures that can lead to mental ill-health, including long hours, intense pressure, and the nature of the job which requires practitioners to constantly provide care for others, without necessarily recognising the need for self-care at the same time.
"A recurring theme that we’ve seen from these ambassadors’ stories has been that they drew on support from friends and family, and we really hope that this campaign encourages other professionals to seek help if they feel they are struggling."
The campaign is interested in hearing from not only doctors and veterinary surgeons but also nurses, veterinary nurses, dentists, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals who want to open up about their experiences of mental ill-health.
To participate in the campaign, email Dr Louise Freeman on vicechair@dsn.org.uk.
Further information about the ‘&me’ campaign can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/&me, and a blog by Louise, 'Me and #AndMe', can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/me-and-andme/.
"The majority of veterinary medicines used in the UK (and ingredients and components to make them) are either produced in or enter via the EU. The government is working with animal health companies who have been carrying out extensive contingency planning for all EU Exit scenarios, including no deal. These plans cover all aspects of their supply chains, from regulatory compliance and stocking levels to logistics and customs. They also include, as appropriate, increasing stocks of products in the UK, changing supply routes, transferring marketing authorisations and other regulatory processes.
"To reduce any risk to medicines availability in the UK, detailed planning is ongoing to ensure that supply chain measures are appropriate to address the sector’s complex needs and priorities.
"Much work has been done by companies with the objective of ensuring fair and appropriate distribution of this inventory to avoid disruption.
"Supply is expected to cope with a normal ordering pattern with adequate forward planning and communication with suppliers.
"With this planning in place, we are confident that we have made every effort to ensure continuity of supply of veterinary medicines in the UK."
Well that makes a nice change from the incessantly and determinedly gloomy picture painted elsewhere.
Interestingly, the survey of 2000 people found that men were 11% more likely than women to change their veterinary surgery if they didn't like the look of the masks. There were also geographical variations in the levels of concern about masks, with Londoners (48%) and people from the South West (46%), the North East (41%) and the West Midlands (41%) being most concerned.
Still, there is some consolation for any practice that is using sub standard masks: 78% of UK adults wouldn’t know how to tell if a face mask was fake.
However, 26% of respondents said they would ask their vet to prove their medical grade face mask meets the certified standard and 22% of pet owners said they would expect their vet to wear a medical grade face mask during routine checkups for the foreseeable future.
James Kinsella, Director at Bluetree Group, said: “During such an unprecedented time, it’s no surprise that people are worried about the use of face masks. It is clear that the public has strong feelings about the quality of face masks in practices, with a third of pet owners saying they are worried about the standard of their vet’s face mask. It’s encouraging to see that where expectations are not met, people will seek an alternative.
"The majority of people admit they would not be able to identify a fake face mask, however it is encouraging that a third of those we spoke to would have the confidence to take action and change their vet if they didn’t think their face mask was up to standard."
For more information on Bluetree Group’s face masks, visit: https://bluetreemaskbox.co.uk.
Docsinnovent Ltd has launched what it says is the first ever commercial range of veterinary-species-specific, supraglottic airway devices.
Nicki Glen, Marketing Manager at Docsinnovent said: "v-gel is a truly unique, supraglottic airway management device that represents the culmination of years of extensive research and development. It has exceptional provenance from the human equivalent "i gel" having been used in hospitals around the world for the past 5 years.
"Made from a medical grade elastomer material, the v-gel has been designed to create an anatomical high quality pressure seal around the laryngeal structures whilst avoiding compression trauma."
Initially for rabbits and cats, and subsequently for dogs and horses, each species will have six colour coded sizes supplied in a protective cradle that also helps manage the sterilisation process.
According to the company, the benefits of the v-gel system are:
For more information, visit stand 609 at BSAVA Congress or, from 12th April, www.docsinnovent.com.
In addition, there is a clinical research abstract being presented at BSAVA Congress:
Title: Use of a novel Supraglottic airway device to maintain gaseous anaesthesia in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Presented and researched by Kevin Eatwell BVSc (Hons) DZooMed (Reptilian) Dip ECZM (Herp) MRCVSVenue: In the Crompton Room, Austin Court under the EXOTICS streamTime: Thursday 12th April at 12:20pm
There are 10 candidates standing in this year’s election, including four existing Council members eligible for re-election and six candidates not currently on Council. They are:
Mr David Catlow MRCVS
John C Davies MRCVS
Dr Mandisa Greene MRCVS
Miss Karlien Heyrman MRCVS
Professor John Innes FRCVS
Dr "Not Again" Thomas Lonsdale MRCVS
Dr Susan Paterson FRCVS
Mr Matthew Plumtree MRCVS
Mr Iain Richards MRCVS
Colonel Neil Smith FRCVS
The biographies and statements for each candidate can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote18.
At the time of writing, the College is still waiting for the Legislative Reform Order (LRO) concerning its governance arrangements, including a reduction in the size of Council, to be approved.
Under current arrangements six candidates will be elected to RCVS Council – however, if the LRO completes the legislative process and is passed by both Houses of Parliament, then only the three candidates with the most votes will take up their places on Council.
Ballot papers and candidates’ details are due to be posted to all veterinary surgeons eligible to vote during the week commencing 12 March, and all votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday 27 April 2018.
Once again this year the College is inviting veterinary surgeons to email a question for the candidates to vetvote18@rcvs.org.uk or tweet it using the hashtag #vetvote18 by midday on Monday 26 February.
Each candidate will then be asked to answer two questions from all those received, and produce a video recording of their answers. Recordings will be published on the RCVS website and YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos) on the week the election commences.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar, said:"After last year’s record turnout in the RCVS Council elections we are continuing to work with Electoral Reform Services (ERS) to make it easier for members to vote for their preferred candidates.
"While the traditional paper ballot papers and booklets will be posted as usual, ERS will once again send personalised emails linking members to their unique secure voting website and then send regular reminders to those who haven’t yet had the chance have their say."
Petplan is giving away a VIP trip for two people to this year's 'Petplan Veterinary Awards' in Birmingham on 31st March.
The prize includes two admission tickets to the awards ceremony, as well as accommodation at a top hotel in Birmingham.
Veterinary staff can be in with a chance at winning this exclusive opportunity by nominating their practice or a member of staff for the following awards:
Alison Andrew, Petplan's Marketing Manager, said, "Veterinary professionals up and down the country show great commitment and dedication to our pets everyday and the awards are an opportunity to recognise all their hard work. By nominating a colleague you can not only show them your appreciation but you can also going into the draw to win a fantastic night out"
By making a nomination at www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards you'll automatically be entered into the draw to win the VIP tickets to the evening.
Nominations for the awards close on the 4th February and the winner of the VIP tickets will be announced in late February.
Petplan has announced the 2010 finalists for the Petplan Veterinary Awards.
The company says it has been inundated with over 1,800 nominations this year and wasn't disappointed in its quest to discover veterinary staff that go far beyond the call of duty. Each year there is an astonishing public response, with tales ranging from midnight rescues to simple acts of kindness. This year was no exception.
The finalists for each of the categories are as follows:
Vet of the YearGirish Thakral, Blacks Veterinary Group, West Midlands Mike Hewitt, Wendover Heights Veterinary Centre, Buckinghamshire Stuart Jackson, Jackson Veterinary Clinic, Oxfordshire
Vet Nurse of the YearAmy Floyd, Fivelands Veterinary Centre, BirminghamLisa Strickland Viking Vets, BristolLouise Want, Feldon Veterinary Centre, Warwickshire
Vet Receptionist of the YearCarole Dawson, Kingsteignton Veterinary Group, Devon Linda Workman, Summerleaze Veterinary Hospital, Berkshire Sue Snodin, Towerwood Veterinary Group, Leeds
Vet Practice of the YearAshfield House Veterinary Hospital Ltd, Nottingham Mill House Veterinary Surgery and Hospital, Norfolk Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre, West Sussex
Alison Andrews, Petplan's Head of Marketing said she was thrilled by the number of nominations received and the quality of this year's finalists: "This year we are celebrating the eleventh anniversary of the Veterinary Awards which were launched so pet owners could thank their practice for the tireless and wonderful work they carry out. We are delighted that the awards, which we often hear referred to as the 'Vet Oscars', are still going strong. This year we have received a great number of nominations and the quality and standard really challenged the skills of our esteemed judging panel. We would like to wish those short listed every success on the night."
All finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony taking place on 8th April at the Birmingham Town Hall, where the winners will be announced!
A quick poll carried out by Michael Woodhouse amongst the members of VetSurgeon suggests that the majority of UK veterinary surgeons do not brush their own dog's teeth.
98 members took part in the survey, as follows:
The BSAVA has announced the launch of its third smartphone app - the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary App.
This member-only access app is available to download now from iTunes and Android Market and offers the same reference materials found in the latest 7th edition printed version.
The BSAVA says the app contains more than 450 drug monographs and a wealth of additional information, allowing easy and rapid access to vital information about those medications that veterinary surgeons most commonly prescribe. It is hoped that the convenience of having the BSAVA Small Animal Formulary on a smartphone will mean that vets in practice will always have this valuable reference tool within easy reach.
Once the app is installed it will ask for a validation code that can be obtained from the smartphone app validation code page within My BSAVA pages at www.bsava.com. All future BSAVA member-only smartphone apps will be validated using the same process.
BSAVA IT Manager Emma Hayes said: "BSAVA is continually aiming to provide a range of valuable member benefits in a variety of formats so they can be used in the most efficient and effective way by our members. The BSAVA Formulary was a natural candidate for release as a mobile application, following the successful launch as an online searchable database at Congress in April. By developing this application it has also provided us with a platform that will enable us to produce additional useful applications in the future that can provide unrestricted content for our members."
The BSAVA Small Animal Formulary App follows on from the BSAVA Congress App and the BSAVA Guide to the use of Veterinary Medicines App. You can find out more about these other BSAVA smartphone apps through My BSAVA at www.bsava.com.
RCVS CEO Nick Stace has published a refreshingly candid acknowledgement of recent concerns voiced by the profession on his blog, www.nickstaceblogs.org.
In his post, he gives a firm commitment to listen to the profession, asking just that in return, MsRCVS get more involved in College matters, such as voting in the elections and getting involved in consultations (starting with this one).
Definitely worth reading the full post: http://nickstaceblogs.org/2014/05/06/receiving-you-loud-and-clear/
The company says it's not just older horses suffering from joint disease, 36% of horses developed the condition by the time they were eight years old.
In the survey, 69% of horses needed up to five visits to their veterinary surgeon for treatment, while 21% needed as many as ten visits. Horse owners spent an average of £2,104 treating their horse’s joint condition while 5% spent more than £7,500 on the problem.
In addition, 53% said they've missed up to ten competitions due to joint disease, with 17% missing more than 20 competitions.
The survey revealed that joint problems are an ongoing concern for many. 76% of owners said they worry about their horse developing osteoarthritis and 30% had retired a horse earlier than expected owing to joint disease. In addition, 84% admitted that they would not buy a horse if they knew it had joint problems.
In terms of joint care, 74% of respondents said they give their horse a joint supplement. 69% check their horse's legs daily and 90% implement post-competition leg care measures.
Cavalor’s Lieselot Hamerlinck said: "It is good to see that so many horse owners are using a joint supplement but it’s important that they understand what to look for when choosing which product to use. They should look for anti-inflammatory products, not just joint support and for clinical evidence on any product claims. It’s not just about giving a joint supplement every day, it’s more about giving the right product tailored to the horse’s individual needs.
"Also horse owners should be mindful that it is equally important, if not more so, to take proper care of their horse’s joints all year round, not just during competition."
For further information, visit www.cavalor.com.
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