Having experienced the profession both as a clinician and as a director, Clive says he wanted to develop and integrate his skills to support fellow professionals. So, during lockdown, he embarked on a Master’s in Executive Coaching from Ashridge Hult Business School.
Clive said: "Studying for the Master’s was intellectually and emotionally tough. The emphasis was on psychology and relationships, working to the highest standards of ethical coaching practice. It has not only developed my coaching skills but also afforded me the opportunity to scrutinise the drivers and motivations behind my career choices and integrate them into a wider appreciation of life and my ‘self’. I am incredibly proud of this achievement and conscious of the privilege afforded me."
Clive's service typically involves six ninety-minute sessions during which he'll help you develop skills, behaviours and ways of behaving that will make you a better leader, particularly if you come from a clinical background where you'd be used to using very different skillset.
Clive, who is also a European Mentoring and Coaching Council Senior Practitioner, added: "In my practice as a coach, I am grateful for the opportunity to support others, whatever their life experiences, as they negotiate the challenges of being themselves, in the workplace, serving their communities.”
For more information, visit: www.trelliscoaching.co.uk
Thus far, the hospital has relied on conventional radiographs or referred for MRI for the bulk of its distal limb imaging.
The new Hallmarq standing CT scanner provides information that surpasses the capabilities of radiography, while also reducing radiation exposure to the patients and staff.
The scanning process is also considerably quicker, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment planning.
Tom McParland, Valley Equine Hospital’s surgeon said: "We are confident that this diagnostic modality will significantly enhance our ability to identify not just thoroughbred fetlock pathology earlier but improve our diagnostic abilities of the distal limb for all our equine patients, racing and leisure alike.”
Valley Equine Hospital says it chose the Hallmarq standing CT scanner due to its ability to scan using just standing sedation which ensures a safer and more efficient experience for the horses compared to general anaesthesia.
www.valleyequinehospital.co.ukinfo.hallmarq.net/focus-on-the-foot
The Soil Association is calling on the Government to issue guidelines that will limit the veterinary use of the most modern penicillin-type antibiotics, to prevent the spread of a serious new superbug.Recently released minutes of a Government committee reveal that Ministers have been briefed about the emergence on a British dairy farm of a mutant strain of antibiotic-resistant E. coli which causes life-threatening cases of food poisoning, including hemorrhagic colitis and haemolytic uraemic syndrome.
The bug, known as E. coli O26 is a vera-toxin producing E. coli (VTEC), similar to the infamous E. coli O157. According to the Soil Association, what makes the discovery of this variant so significant is that this is the first time in the UK, and only the third time in the world, that VTEC E. coli has been found with an enhanced type of antibiotic resistance known as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL), which makes it resistant to almost all antibiotics. ESBL resistance has previously been found on 57 UK farms, but until now only in strains of E. coli that cause urinary tract infections and blood poisoning.Although antibiotics are not recommended for the treatment of VTEC E. coli, scientists warn that the emergence of resistance is undesirable because these resistant bacteria are encouraged every time certain antibiotics are used, resulting in increased spread and greater risk of contaminated food products. On non-organic dairy farms, cows are routinely given antibiotics at the end of their lactation to prevent mastitis. In addition, milk from cows given antibiotics for treatment, or prevention, is often fed to calves when it contains residues and cannot be sold. However, because ESBL E. coliO26 is resistant to all the antibiotics used in ‘dry cow therapy' and many of those used for treatment, the high use of antibiotics on dairy farms will promote the rapid spread of these dangerous bacteria.Soil Association Policy Adviser, Richard Young said: "This is one of the most worrying developments in the continuing rise of ESBL E. coli. Today is the first European Antibiotics Awareness Day, but there is a distinct lack of awareness that the continuing high use of antibiotics in farming is contributing to the increase in antibiotic-resistant infections in humans."The Government often calls on doctors to prescribe antibiotics less often. But similar advice needs to be given to veterinary surgeons and farmers. Half of all antibiotics are given to animals, and there is mounting evidence that antibiotic-resistant bacteria in farm animals pass to humans. If we want antibiotics to save lives in the future as they have done in the past then the Government must provide specific recommendations based on scientific advice, and vets need to pull together with doctors to limit the use of problematic drugs."
The RSPB has reported the results of two studies which revealed that a greater diversity of birds of prey, including some eagles, are killed eating carrion contaminated with diclofenac.
The RSPB says that these findings strengthen the case of banning the use of veterinary diclofenac in livestock across Europe, including Spain and Italy where the drug has already been approved.
In the first paper1, published in the journal Bird Conservation International, scientists present results of tests carried out on two steppe eagles found dead at a cattle carcass dump in Rajasthan, India. Both birds had diclofenac residue in their tissues and exhibited the same clinical signs of kidney failure as seen in Gyps vultures experimentally given diclofenac.
Steppe eagles are closely related to the golden eagles found in the UK, the vulnerable Spanish imperial eagle and other globally vulnerable or declining Eurasian eagles. Scientists now fear that all species in this genus, known as Aquila, are susceptible to diclofenac. With fourteen species of Aquila eagle distributed across Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America, this means that diclofenac poisoning should now be considered largely a global problem.
Dr Toby Galligan, RSPB conservation scientist and one of the authors of the paper, said: "We have known for some time that diclofenac is toxic to Gyps vultures, including the Eurasian griffon vulture, but we now know it is toxic to an Aquila eagle too. This suggests that the drug is fatal to a greater number of birds of prey in Asia, Europe and around the world. We had suspected as much from observed declines in non-Gyps vultures in Asia, but this study confirms our worst fears."
In another paper2, published in Bird Conservation International, Dr Galligan led an examination of recent population trends in Egyptian and red-headed vultures in India. That study shows population declines of similar timing and scale as the declines observed in Gyps vultures, providing indirect evidence that these species have been impacted by diclofenac as well.
After years of campaigning by conservationists, the governments of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan banned veterinary formulations of diclofenac between 2006 and 2010. Recently, experts have recorded a slowing of Gyps vulture declines as a result of the bans. However, formulations of diclofenac intended for use in humans are still widely available and illegally used to treat livestock, the carcasses of which are the main food source for vultures in South Asia. It was announced in March that veterinary diclofenac had been authorised for manufacture and use in Italy and Spain and had been distributed to other European countries. Since then, a coalition of organisations including the Vulture Conservation Foundation, the RSPB and BirdLife International have been campaigning for this decision to be reversed.
Dr Galligan continued: "In light of recent developments in Europe, our findings take on an even more worrying meaning. All of Europe's charismatic Aquila eagles, like the Spanish imperial eagle and, closer to home, the golden eagle, are opportunistic scavengers and therefore could be at risk of diclofenac poisoning. As we have seen in South Asia, wherever free-ranging livestock are treated with diclofenac, population declines in vultures and eagles can occur. The European Commission needs to recognise this problem and impose a continent-wide ban on veterinary diclofenac before it can impact on our birds."
Last week, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) announced measures against the drug.
In a statement the VMD said: "The UK's Veterinary Medicines Directorate is taking the issue of diclofenac's risks to vulture populations seriously. As a precautionary measure the VMD will not approve any requests from vets to import products containing diclofenac. Furthermore, the VMD has agreed not to issue any export certificates which name diclofenac-containing products in the list of products to be exported."
Sacha Cleminson, Head of International Biodiversity Policy at the RSPB, said: "The announcement from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is a welcome signal to Europe that the UK is taking the issue seriously. This new evidence underlines the need for a ban across Europe, and ultimately beyond."
References
Have population declines in Egyptian Vulture and Red-headed Vulture in India slowed since the 2006 ban on veterinary diclofenac? Toby H. Galligan et al. Bird Conservation International Online. 1st April 2014.
The two companies have agreed to jointly discover and develop species-specific therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for companion animals, a class of drug which they say is neglected in veterinary medicine but offers a variety of future therapeutic options for diseases that cannot be adequately treated today.
adivo will select species-specific antibodies using its proprietary fully canine phage display library. Bayer Animal Health will provide targets involved in severe animal diseases.
Dr. Douglas Hutchens, Bayer Animal Health’s Head of Drug Discovery, External Innovation & Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "Today’s agreement is another example of how we realize our innovation strategy
"By combining the know-how from creative start-up companies like adivo with opportunities derived from Bayer’s research, we broaden our space of therapeutic medicine options and complement our portfolio.
"We are constantly looking for innovative technologies that enable us to generate novel treatment options for the companion animal sector. Now, we will focus on evolving the options presented by adivo from research and development to market maturity."
Dr. Kathrin Ladetzki-Baehs, Managing Director of adivo said: "At adivo, we truly believe that pets have a positive impact on our society. By developing novel medicines for companion animals, we want to make a difference for veterinarians and pet-parents. Today, we are more than pleased and excited to have gained such a committed and experienced collaboration partner, to jointly develop new treatment options."
The Action Plan presents what the College is doing to tackle the issue and explains how collaboration, culture change, career development and leadership, among other things, could help with workforce shortages by improving retention of current members of the professions, encouraging more people to join, and making it easier for those who have left the professions to return.
The report lists seven main areas to be addressed:
The full list of actions, with context about what has fed into ambitions, can be found in the Action Plan which is downloadable at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications.
Dr Sue Paterson FRCVS, Junior Vice-President and Chair of the RCVS Advancement of the Professions Committee, said: “This is a very complex, broad and multi-faceted area of concern so the Action Plan has been a long time in the making to ensure that we adequately capture what needs doing and how, in order to enable us to work collaboratively with all veterinary organisations going forward.
"This is not a finished list, but gives all within the veterinary sector the ability to look at the key areas of work that need to be done and prioritise the ones that most suit their organisational needs."
Hill's Pet Nutrition has highlighted recent studies which, the company says, prove that feeding a food enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils to dogs with osteoarthritis results in a reduction in NSAID dosage of up to 25%1, owner observed improvements in clinical signs3, and improved weight bearing ability2, 7
The claim that food can effectively support medical treatment follows in the wake of two published and one in press study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (JAVMA). These demonstrate that omega-3 enriched food (in this case Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Canine) has significant effects on weight bearing and helps reduce NSAID dosage by up to 25 per cent, when fed to dogs with osteoarthritis 1, 2,3.
According to Hill's, the research demonstrates that in dogs the high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils can down-regulate the cartilage degrading enzyme aggrecanase1. In vitro studies have also identified that EPA resulted in a reduction in the amount of degraded cartilage residue produced4. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids can also help to reduce inflammation5,6.
The two studies that were recently published confirm that feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids aids in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs2,3. The randomized double-blinded controlled trials were carried out over three and six months respectively and involved a total of 165 dogs identified as suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis. After collating the results from almost 25,000 trial days, researchers were able to confirm a significant 'clinical improvement' from feeding a food fortified with fatty acids.
In the first study described in JAVMA, researchers found evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils resulted in improvements in weight bearing2. Objective measurement using force plate gait analysis demonstrated that dogs fed a test food fortified with fatty acids were seven times as likely to show improved weight bearing compared with dogs fed a control food.
In the second study, through a detailed questionnaire, owners also observed significant improvements in their dog's osteoarthritic condition3. Improvements observed covered the following signs: difficulty in rising from rest, limping, stiffness, soreness when touched, yelping or whimpering in pain, aggression, lagging on walks, reluctance to play and overall activity level.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition, manufacturer of Prescription Diet j/d, which is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, hailed the results as a breakthrough in the field of nutrigenomics (the study of the effects of nutrition on gene expression): "This research points the way to a new model for the management of osteoarthritis, using a clinically proven food to interrupt the cycle of damage and cartilage degradation, alongside graded levels of NSAIDs and proactive programmes to manage weight and adjust exercise routines. Clinicians now have the conclusive proof they need to recommend feeding omega-3 enriched food to ameliorate the signs of osteoarthritis in clients' pets and to adjust NSAID doses accordingly."
For further information on Hill's Prescription Diet j/d, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438.
References1. A multicenter study of the effect of a therapeutic food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on the Carpofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Fritsch A, Allen T, Dodd C, JAVMA in press2. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs. Roush J, Cross A, Renberg W, Dodd C, Sixby K, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp67-733. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Roush J, Dodd C, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell D, Schoenherr W, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp 59-664. Eicosapentaenoate supplementation abrogates canine articular cartilage degeneration in in vitro explant culture systems, Caterson B, Cramp J, Little C B et al, Hills European Symposium on osteoarthritis and joint health 2005 14-195. Dietary modification of inflammation with lipids, P C Calder, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2002 345-3586. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production, James M J, Cleland L G, Gibson R A, Am J Clin Nut 2000: 71 suppl 343S- 358S7. Vasseur PB, Johnson AL, Budsberg SC, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of the efficacy of carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1995; 206 (6): 807-811.
The new facilities include an emergency and critical care unit, a dental suite, seven operating theatres, a medicine investigation room, new fluoroscopy equipment and a 1.5T high-field MRI scanner.
Eastcott's clinical director Duncan Barnes said: “Our amazing team of clinicians, nurses, physiotherapists and administrative staff have worked hard to maintain an excellent standard of service throughout this period of development.
"We have also been fortunate to recruit wonderful new team members to be able to provide a comprehensive service with real strength in depth."
Managing director Peter Southerden added: “We have invested a lot of time, money and energy into ensuring we can deliver the highest quality of care to our patients and we’re very proud of the results.
"It’s no exaggeration to say our wide range of medical facilities can now be regarded as human-standard - that’s how determined we are to provide the best treatment by utilising the latest technology and equipment.
"We have a purpose-built ECC unit with all the latest intensive care equipment, including its own laboratory, critical care cribs, temperature, intensive care kennels, ventilator and defibrillator.
"We have also created what we believe is one of the best dentistry suites in the world, befitting our world-class dental specialists.
"There are seven operating theatres, which include a dedicated ophthalmology and interventional radiography theatres.
"We also provide a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cancer care, with a dedicated chemotherapy room where our specialist-led, internal medicine team is able to appropriately select and administer the full range of treatments.
"We have 10 consultation rooms and have doubled the number of kennels to almost 100 so we have upgraded, extended and expanded on virtually every front."
To view an interactive map of the new facilities at Eastcott Veterinary Referrals, visit: www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk/new.
The British Veterinary Association has responded to the announcement of a recruitment drive by the newly-formed British Veterinary Union (BVU) and Unite.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "Those working in veterinary practice have always been able to join Unite or any other trade union, and it is unclear whether vets are actually being offered anything new in this recruitment campaign.
"The BVA provides the majority of services traditionally offered by a union and we are constantly working to improve our services to support the veterinary team. In the last two years we have developed mediation and legal representation services to help members through difficult issues in the workplace. The BVA's 24/7 legal helpline remains one of our most valued services with up to 600 calls year on employment and personal issues. We also produce and update a wide range of advice and guidance on all aspects of veterinary employment.
"All of our services continue to be developed using the expertise and experiences of our members.
"In addition to these support services the BVA package incorporates much more. The BVA is a key stakeholder of the RCVS, Defra, Welsh, Scottish and Northern Ireland administrations, the VMD and other bodies, representing members on issues as diverse as pet travel, bovine TB and medicines regulations. This is not a role Unite could play for our profession."
The ‘Advances in Diabetes’ module, taking place at BSAVA Congress 2024 in Manchester Central, will offer delegates the chance to hear first-hand from the clinical researchers and specialists who have used these drugs, such as Dr Ellen Behrend, Prof Ian Ramsey, Prof Stijn Niessen, and Dr Anna Lena Kramer.
Stijn said: “Although not suited as a sole therapeutic for dogs, the current data suggests that a majority of diabetic cats could be treated with once daily oral formulations of these drugs.
“Some of the past barriers to successful long term diabetic treatment included the owner having to inject insulin twice daily and having to watch for hypoglycaemia.
"These lifelong impacts on the owner’s lifestyle are now being taken away.”
Delegates will also be able to learn about advances in the monitoring of canine diabetes, such as the use of Freestyle Libre monitors and haemoglobin A1c, as well as a review of recent developments and management practices for ‘complicated’ cases.
Stijn added: “Gone are the days that we saw diabetes mellitus as a disease; instead, it is the consequence of one or many diseases.
“As such we now ought to approach diabetic cases with a much more open mind and being willing to try and determine the exact aetiology of the diabetes mellitus, doing so can pay off and prevent a diabetic case from becoming a complicated case.”
Ellen added: “Although diabetic ketoacidosis is no more common with the use of SGLT2-inhibitors, it is more likely to be euglycemic with a blood glucose <13.9 mmol/L.
"The recognition of euglycemic ketoacidosis and the correct approach of treatment is crucial.”
Stjn concluded: “Each patient is an individual and therefore diagnosis, treatment and monitoring practices should be adapted to the individual pet-owner combination.
Vets must adjust their approaches significantly when using these drugs, the ‘Advances in Diabetes’ module will provide an in-depth look at these adjustments.”
Delegates will also be able to get their hands on the brand new fifth edition of the BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology, which includes a chapter on feline diabetes mellitus that discusses various treatments including the use of SGLT2-inhibitors.
Jacquie Rand, author of the chapter said: “SGLT2-Inhibitors will be a game-changer for diabetic cats and their owners. However, it is important that cats are diagnosed earlier in the disease process while some insulin secretory capacity is present, for these to be used as the sole drug therapy.”
The BSAVA Manual of Canine and Feline Endocrinology will be available to purchase on the BSAVA Publications Stand in the Exhibition Hall. ‘Advances in Diabetes’ will take place on Thursday 21st March in the Exchange Hall.
Registration for BSAVA members starts at £115 +VAT for a one-day event pass.
https://www.bsavacongress.com.
Illustration: What a presentation about SGLT2-Inhibitors might look like (this has been photoshopped)
The partnership includes a minimum donation of £10,000 which the company hopes to bolster with additional volunteering and fundraising support.
Gerard Ensink, Head of Animal Health UK and Ireland at Boehringer Ingelheim said: “We are truly delighted to be supporting StreetVet.
“There is already so much passion for the charity within our company.
"Even before we announced this charity partnership, several of our colleagues have been volunteers with StreetVet in a personal capacity.
"We look forward to supporting StreetVet and believe that together we can make a real difference to individuals and their pets who are experiencing homelessness.”
https://www.streetvet.co.uk
In common with the various other telemedicine platforms which have come to market in recent months, the app will allow veterinary professionals to give help and advice to clients and maintain a revenue stream whilst maintaining social distancing.
VisioCare is highlighting a number of features over and above standard video conferencing, including the ability for the clinician to take photos, video and produce a case file that can be added to the clinical record. The system also allows vets to access the client's smartphone and zoom into areas that need to be examined or turn on a flashlight to improve visibility.
Visiocare says it has also been able to address limitations in clarity due to poor smartphone reception.
Linkyvet includes a payment module - which will be integrated free of charge for orders taken during April - so practices can charge for services provided remotely.
Alexander Arpino, Managing Director of Veterinary Insights, said: "During the current COVID-19 situation, Linkyvet has real potential for triage, as well as enabling routine consultations, without putting anyone at risk. It's good news for patient care, staff wellbeing and also ensuring that the practice remains a viable business that's still there for everyone to return to when life returns to normality.
"Outside crisis times, the tool has ongoing value, providing a great way to generate revenue from services such as advisory consultations and follow ups provided remotely and giving clients a convenient alternative to visiting the practice."
VisioCare Linkyvet is available as a standalone tool or can be included in a bundle with other VisioCare products such as VisioCare Consult, which provides explanatory animations and videos that support clinician recommendations and the myBuddy app, which provides a secure and personalised communication channel between clinic and pet owner.
For more information, visit www.visiocareservices.com or contact your VisioCare Business Development Manager: telephone 01403 800135 or email enquiries@visiocareservices.com.
The book contains 40 chapters of articles about clinical techniques, diagnostic pathways and management approaches published in Companion between 2016 and 2020.
Editor of Companion, Samantha Taylor said: “At Companion we strive to produce well-illustrated, practical articles to help vets and VNs in practice face the day-to-day challenges of a varied caseload. We hope this collection meets our aims by covering a variety of clinical problems from hypercalcaemia in cats to managing the snuffly rabbit, from Leishmaniasis to lymphoma and many more.
Ian Ramsey (BSAVA Senior Vice President) said: “This collection represents a unique body of well-illustrated work prepared by experts from all around the UK and beyond. I would like to thank them all on behalf of BSAVA members and readers of this book for taking the time and care to develop these resources for their colleagues around the world.”
Samantha added: “Whether kept on the shelf for when needed or thumbed through over a cup of tea, we hope that within the pages of this new volume you find a useful tip or technique that helps.”
The How to…collected articles from BSAVA Companion (2016–2020), 3rd edition has been published as a BSAVA member loyalty reward gift for those eligible veterinary members who renew their membership this year.
The book is also available to buy from the BSAVA website www.bsava.com/shop priced at £20.
The toolkit includes a 15-minute CPD webinar: ‘How to best use ProZinc to successfully manage diabetes in cats and dogs’, hosted by Dr Jamie Adams BVSc PhD MRCVS, Senior Brand Technical Advisor at Boehringer Ingelheim.
Vets who watch the webinar can enter a competition for a coffee machine for their veterinary practice by answering three questions at the end.
The toolkit also has a diabetes management reference guide covering how to make a confident diagnosis and start treatment with ProZinc, how best to monitor and reassess the patient and how to adjust the dose for optimal control.
There are also glucose curve charts, pet owner guides, home care journals and a link to the ProZinc pet owner website, www.prozinc.co.uk, which contains information to help owners feel confident in managing their pet’s diabetes.
The webinar and toolkit are available from: www.boehringer-academy.co.uk.
Backed by RJD Partners, the directors bought the company back from Benchmark Plc for a reported £12.75M after it decided to divest itself of all non-aquaculture-related assets.
Improve says that under its new leadership, it plans to expand its e-learning portfolio significantly, harnessing technologies like video teaching and virtual/augmented reality to offer a richer learning experience.
The company will continue to offer attended modular training options as well as small group practical teaching sessions at its wet labs in Swindon and Sheffield. It says these events will complement its online programmes and will provide stand-alone training for vets wishing to learn new surgical and diagnostic skills.
In collaboration with its assessment partner, the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), Improve will be developing new distance-learning programmes, together with exams that can be taken remotely.
Improve also plans further geographical expansion, including running programmes in languages including French, Spanish, German and Chinese.
Dr Heber Alves (pictured right) is Improve’s new CEO. He is supported by a management team that includes Improve founder Dr David Babington, Business Development Director and Mr John Douglass, UK Managing Director.
Heber said: “Improve is fully owned by a team of experienced veterinary and business professionals with a unique understanding of the profession’s training needs at a global level. Even better, we are backed by a private equity partner with a strong track record in professional education and a commitment to supporting our growth, both organically and through acquisition.
“We start this new chapter in a world changed irrevocably by COVID-19. It is a world in which veterinary professionals are demanding more flexible ways of learning and showing a hunger to achieve additional qualifications. With this in mind, we will be working to offer a combination of high quality practical, remote and blended learning that will make the achievement of a postgraduate qualification a realistic ambition for every vet."
CEVA Animal Health has extended its range of injectable anti-infectives with Florkem, a Florfenicol-based antimicrobial for the treatment of respiratory tract infections in cattle and pigs.
According to the company, Florfenicol shows a strong in vitro bactericidal activity against the most common respiratory tract pathogenic bacteria and can be used as a time or dose-dependent bactericidal depending on the target. It also offers very good diffusion in most tissues for an efficient response.
CEVA says Florkem® is very convenient to use: a specifically developed formulation provides for better syringeability, in both warm and cool temperatures, making administration quicker and easier. It is presented in an ergonomic CLAS vial, which is shock resistant, light and easy to handle in the field. This means fewer breakages, which can reduce costs while maintaining efficacy.
For further product information contact CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, telephone 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.ceva.uk.com/
The final deadline for paying the fee was 31 May 2019, with the 346 who did not pay being removed on 1 June 2019, compared to 308 last year.
Those who were removed from the Register but have subsequently paid to be restored are not named on the list.
The RCVS says it sent reminders to all MsRCVS, including emails and text messages, reminding them that the fee was due. Letters were sent to those members that the College does not have an email address or mobile telephone number for.
A list of those who have not paid their fee has now been published. Practices are encouraged to check the list to ensure that no employees are named.
The College also wants to remind veterinary surgeons that, although paying the fee is required to remain on the Register, to complete their registration in full they need to confirm they are compliant with the continuing professional development (CPD) requirement and complete the criminal disclosures form. Both of these are required by the Code of Professional Conduct and can be completed on the ‘My Account’ area.
Anyone with queries about completing the registration process should contact the Registration Department on 020 7202 0707 or registration@rcvs.org.uk.
The divestment is expected to be concluded in mid-2020, and Bayer intends to exit its stake in Elanco over time.
Bayer says that combining Elanco and Bayer Animal Health will create the number two animal heath company, with top three positions across a broad range of species and geographies. It also enhances Elanco’s portfolio of leading global brands and bolsters its innovation capabilities and R&D pipeline.
Jeffrey N. Simmons, president and chief executive officer of Elanco, said: "Combining Elanco’s strong relationship with veterinarians and Bayer’s leadership in retail and e-commerce will ultimately benefit all our customers. We look forward to joining our complementary portfolios and capabilities to build a fully focused animal health company, providing a sustained flow of innovation for farmers, veterinarians and pet owners."
Eastcott says all staff working in the ECC unit have received specific intensive care training and will be supported by discipline-specific specialists at all times.
The service will be run by three ECC/medicine vets during the day and three ECC vets at night, supported by four day nurses and two night nurses.
David said: “We’ve created a purpose-built intensive care unit with all the latest ICU equipment, including our own laboratory; critical care cribs; temperature, humidity and oxygen-controlled intensive care kennels and an ICU ventilator.
“This means we have the facilities to care for the most severely injured and critical cases.
“We also have a high-quality team of enthusiastic, dedicated ECC vets and nurses to lead the service. Everyone has a background of ECC work and a true passion for it.”
Harriet said: “By having all the specialist disciplines available at the practice, we can offer a more holistic service to emergency patients. For example, if a dog is involved in a road traffic accident, the ICU can stabilise it and give emergency care and pain relief.
“Dentistry can then repair jaw and mouth injuries; orthopaedics can repair any other broken bones and soft tissue can assess and repair any damaged organs. This is all supported by our dedicated anaesthesia service and advanced imaging capabilities.
“The ICU also provides a calm environment for critically ill and injured patients to recover following surgery or other planned treatments from other disciplines.”
For more information, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk.
For the study, researchers from the RVC’s VetCompass Programme identified 2,105 hypothyroidism cases diagnosed amongst a study population of 905,553 UK dogs.
This revealed an annual frequency of one case in 400 dogs (0.23%) for the condition, with the most common breeds diagnosed being Standard Doberman Pinschers (x 17.02), Tibetan Terriers (x11.25), Boxers (x10.44) and Alaskan Malamutes (x 9.71).
The average age at first diagnosis was 7.65 years.
Other findings included:
Dr Rebecca Geddes, Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine at the RVC Queen Mother Hospital for Animals and last author of the paper, said: “It is great to have this data from UK primary care practices, which will help highlight high risk breeds to veterinary surgeons so they can diagnose and treat affected dogs as early as possible. Hypothyroidism is usually straightforward to manage with medication that can greatly improve quality of life in affected dogs.”
Reference
An amendment to the EU's draft budget for a €2 million pilot research project into homeopathy and phytotherapy for farm animals has been approved today by the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee.
BVA President Harvey Locke, said: "Millions of Euros have already been spent on trying to prove the scientific efficacy of homeopathic medicines. To date we have not seen any data to prove they can be effective in the treatment of bacterial infections.
"Whilst it is unlikely that €2 million will be able to determine whether or not there is a basis for claiming homeopathic products can work, we welcome European investment in veterinary research and hope that the results of the pilot will be useful."
Ceva Animal Health has published Causes of scour in growing pigs: an overview, a technical review on pig scour.
The company says its aim is to provides vets with an easy-reference guide to the main causes and clinical signs of this common and potentially fatal condition.
At best, scour in growing pigs can cause significant weight loss and damage to the intestinal mucosa. At worst it will result in high mortality. Causes of scour in growing pigs: an overview summarises the causative agents of scour throughout the stages of growth, from sucking piglets through to finisher pigs.
Ceva adds that although it is difficult to be too prescriptive about assigning clinical signs to specific diseases because of variable immunity and the occurrence of mixed infections, the review provides useful guidelines to aid accurate diagnosis. Preventative management strategies are also discussed where applicable.
For further product information contact your local Ceva representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 9FB, Telephone +44 (0) 1494 781510.
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has launched a second generation Eprinomectin Pour On solution with zero milk withhold and a 10 day meat withdrawal period. Eprizero, for beef and dairy cattle, is indicated for the treatment and prevention of a range of economically damaging gutworm and lungworm infections and external parasites in a pour on application. It offers zero milk withhold and an improved meat withdrawal period of 10 days. Andrew Hillan MVB MRCVS, Director of Veterinary Science, Norbrook Laboratories Ltd., said: "Norbrook has launched Eprizero to offer vets and farmers a more versatile alternative in the treatment of economically damaging worms and external parasites. The active ingredient in Eprizero, Eprinomectin, is both potent and fast-acting and is supported by independent studies which show increased milk yield, improved fertility and increased dry matter intake following treatment. With a zero milk and 10 day meat withdrawal and waterproof properties, Eprizero offers real versatility to vets and farmers in terms of when and where they treat. It is this versatility that we believe will make Eprizero the gold standard in anthelmintic treatment for prolonged infestations of gut worm and lung worm in both dairy and beef cattle." Eprizero is available in four sizes - 250ml, 1L, 2.5L and 5L - with a free 75ml gun supplied with the two larger pack sizes. It is administered using a 75ml dispensing gun to enable accurate application. Eprizero is registered for use in the UK and Ireland and is available to order from your local Norbrook Sales Representative.
Elanco says Baycox Iron offers a time-saving flexible dosing treatment which complements the company’s existing piglet gut health portfolio.
Louise Radford, marketing manager at Elanco, said: "By treating piglets at two or three days old, it’s possible to allow enough exposure to the coccidiosis parasite to enable them to develop natural immunity, while preventing any damage to the gut caused by subclinical and clinical coccidiosis which leads to poor growth and low weaning weights.
"By combining treatments, it's possible to limit the number of times they are handled, which in turn reduces stress and enhances growth”.
Elanco also makes the Coliprotec vaccine against post weaning diarrhoea (PWD).
Louise added: “As farmers and vets prepare for the removal of zinc oxide as a treatment option next year, focusing on gut health throughout all stages of development has never been more crucial.
For more information, contact your Elanco pig team specialist or visit https://www.myelanco.co.uk/cpd/swine/hub.
Axiom Laboratories has launched MiPetAllergy, a pet allergy test which the company says is not affected by medication and which requires no withdrawal period prior to testing.
Axiom developed the MiPetAllergy in partnership with ALK, which makes Artuvetrin. With its food elimination diet selector tool, developed in association with Royal Canin, it tests against as many as 80 environmental allergens and foods.
Dan Sherry, General Manager at Axiom, said: "Allergies are increasing among companion animals and identifying accurately which allergen is causing the problem in a particular pet can be one of the toughest challenges veterinary staff face in practice.
"MiPetAllergy represents two and half years of research so we are delighted to announce its arrival. Axiom is confident that there will be complete concordance between the screen and panel results that they are offering a money back guarantee if they are discordant. We hope it will help practices dealing with allergy patients to identify and treat for the specific allergens causing their symptoms."
Martyn Carpenter, Director of Axiom, added: "The introduction of the MiPetAllergy testing is timely as it coincides with the change in Axiom’s supplier of immunotherapy. During November and December 2014 the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) started rejecting applications for STC’s and advising that European Licensed immunotherapy products should now be used in the UK as part of the Cascade. Both our new allergy test and new vaccines are manufactured by the same company."