East Sussex-based Maria Elena Marin Crespo MRCVS has been reprimanded by the RCVS DC for twice failing to declare a conviction for failing to provide the police with a specimen of breath for analysis.

Dr Crespo appeared in front of the Disciplinary Committee earlier this week with two charges against her. The first was that, in November 2015, she dishonestly and falsely made an online representation to the College that she had no criminal convictions, cautions or adverse findings despite having been convicted, in January 2015, of failing to provide a specimen of breath. The second charge against her was that, in March 2016, she once again dishonestly and falsely failed to declare her conviction when renewing her registration.

During the hearing the Committee had two main considerations in respect of both charges – as to whether Dr Marin Crespo had been dishonest in failing to declare the conviction and as to whether the respondent ought to have known that her representations were false. Regarding the dishonesty element, the Committee found the College had not sufficiently proven this, as it accepted Dr Marin Crespo’s evidence that she did not believe she needed to declare a motoring-related offence as it was not relevant to her professional practice.

However, the Committee found it proven that the respondent ought to have known that the representations were false, taking into account that Dr Marin Crespo made admissions that she ought to have checked the guidance on declaring convictions, cautions and/or adverse findings and ought to have been aware that making such declarations is a requirement of the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct.

Having found the parts of the two charges relating to false representation proven, the Committee then considered whether this constituted serious professional misconduct. 

Judith Webb, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said:"The Committee considers that the false declarations made by the respondent were born of a careless disregard for the disclosure process. The Committee notes that the respondent could easily have checked online, and/or by telephone, as to what she was obliged to do when making the relevant declarations. She failed to do that.

"In these circumstances, the Committee considers that the respondent’s conduct fell far short of that which is to be expected of the veterinary profession. Therefore, in the judgement of the Committee, on the facts found proved, the respondent is guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect."

In considering Dr Marin Crespo’s sanction the Committee took into account a number of mitigating factors including her full cooperation with the College’s investigation, her hitherto unblemished career, her testimonial evidence which it felt demonstrated her dedication and professionalism, and the fact that she has displayed remorse and insight into her conduct.

Judith Webb concluded: "The Committee notes that the respondent’s conduct caused no harm, or risk of harm, to animals or humans. The Committee also notes that there is no charge arising out of the criminal conviction itself. The Committee considers that, if the respondent had answered the online questions correctly, it is unlikely that the respondent would have appeared before the Committee.

"Every veterinary surgeon must ensure that they adopt a careful and accurate approach to the self-certification exercise, which is crucial if the public and the College are to have trust in that process. In these circumstances, the Committee considered that the proportionate sanction in this case is that the respondent be… reprimanded for her conduct."

The RCVS has announced that is has teamed up with Stonewall, the charity that campaigns for equality of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, with the aim of ensuring that all people are accepted, without exception, within the veterinary profession.

By becoming a Stonewall Diversity Champion, the RCVS joins over 750 other organisations who are striving to create workplaces that are equal, inclusive and accepting.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Deputy CEO and Director of the Mind Matters Initiative, said: "We are delighted to be working with Stonewall and will benefit greatly from its expertise and energy. These may not be easy issues to tackle but we hope that this tie-up with Stonewall will, in itself, send a positive message of our intent to take the issues seriously and make the RCVS, and the veterinary profession at large, as inclusive as possible.

"There are three aspects to the work we plan: first, to ensure the RCVS is a welcoming and accepting employer by integrating inclusion and diversity into all aspects of our organisation; second, to review our policies and procedures around areas such as registration, to make sure that they take account of the diversity within the veterinary profession; and, finally, through our Mind Matters Initiative, we aim to work with our partners to develop inclusive workplaces throughout the veterinary profession. The ability to be oneself in the workplace has a big impact on mental health and wellbeing so it’s a core issue for Mind Matters."

The College says that the move to link up with Stonewall came about as a result of discussions with Mat Hennessey, President of the British Veterinary Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender group, who said: "We are extremely excited about the collaboration between the RCVS and Stonewall, and feel this positive move to culture equality and inclusivity will benefit the profession as a whole. Stonewall is the largest LGBT+ charity in the UK and Europe and thus has a wealth of knowledge and resources relating to LGBT+ issues. We look forward to continuing to work with both parties during this important venture."

Abby Crawford, Public Sector Client Manager at Stonewall, said: "We know that LGBT staff can face specific barriers in the workplace and it’s great that the RCVS has taken a strong commitment to LGBT equality in this way. We look forward to working with them to create more inclusive environments for their staff and service users – working towards a world where all lesbian, gay, bi and trans people are accepted without exception."

London-based Mark Turner MRCVS, a small animal veterinary surgeon working at Medivet, Croydon, is taking part in the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100 in aid of the mental health charity, Mind.

Mark will be cycling the 100-mile route, the same as was used in the 2012 London Olympics, on Sunday 30th July.

Mark said: "Having worked in veterinary medicine for more than 20 years, I have have come to appreciate that it is a career with highs as well as lows. That some days are going to be pure gold, but others are likely to be emotionally tough and stressful. In those times mental health can be tested and that's where services like Mind really come into their own. I'd like to advertise their work and raise some money at the same time by cycling this event for them.

"I have wanted to support Mind for a long time and the Prudential 100 is a local event that gives me an opportunity to support their great work."

If you'd like to support Mark's efforts, you can do so at: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/markturner31

A new research study presented today at the International Colic Symposium has confirmed that diet can help manage Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS), especially after veterinary treatment has stopped.

The effect of changing diet on gastric ulceration in exercising horses and ponies following cessation of omeprazole treatment was conducted by Nanna Luthersson (Hestedoktoren, a private practice in Denmark) and Coby Bolger (Horse1 Spain), with colleagues from the University of Madrid and Glasgow, in collaboration with Spillers and the Waltham Equine Studies Group.

The study evaluated the effect of dietary change in combination with omeprazole treatment and after the cessation of treatment.

The 32 horses in this part of the trial had been diagnosed with significant equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) and were in hard work.

On a random basis one of each pair was assigned to a specified low starch, fibre-based diet consisting of their own forage alongside a restricted starch, high fibre, high energy cube (Spillers HDF Power Cubes, which are commonly used in racing yards) and a high oil, low starch, chopped alfalfa based feed (Winergy Equilibrium Growth) and the other stayed on their original diet. All animals were scoped before, after the recommended course of omeprazole treatment and then six weeks after the omeprazole finished.

The horses in the no diet change group improved significantly with the omeprazole but when the treatment was stopped many regressed. Overall, by the end of the trial they were not significantly different to when they had started.

However, the horses in the dietary change group overall showed significantly improved ESGD scores, not only following the omeprazole treatment but also after the treatment had stopped. This showed that a change in diet was able to help maintain the beneficial effect of omeprazole even after the omeprazole was removed.

The study achieved an award in 2016 for research in horse welfare from the Fundación para la Promoción del Deporte Ecuestre, Spain.

Clare Barfoot RNutr, the research and development manager at Spillers, said: "This exciting work confirms what we suspected; that whilst appropriate dietary change can provide additional support to medical treatment for EGUS most importantly it can help maintain better gastric health post medical treatment."

Last year the British Equestrian Trade Association, in consultation with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, introduced a new feed approval mark to help owners identify feeds suitable for horses and ponies prone to equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS).

Currently six feeds in the UK carry the BETA Equine Gastric Ulceration Syndrome (EGUS) Certification Mark including Winergy Equilibrium Growth and Spillers Alfalfa Pro Fibre.

Ceva Animal Health has launched a new carprofen, Carprodyl Quadri, for the reduction of inflammation and pain caused by musculo-skeletal disorders and degenerative joint disease and for the management of post-operative pain in dogs.

Carprodyl Quadri is a pork-flavoured, four-way break tablet, available in two presentations of 50mg and 120mg. Each tablet offers four dosage strengths, designed to help you prescribe more accurately for a dog’s weight with fewer boxes on the shelves.

Part tablets can be kept in the blister pack for up to 72 hours, so clients can take home the exact amount of carprofen they require, thereby reducing cost and waste.

To support the launch of Carprodyl Quadri, Ceva is launching a range of marketing materials for veterinary practices. They include: dosage charts, dispensing envelopes, remember to order stickers to stick on boxes left on the shelves, reminder cards about the change for reception and dispensaries and client letters explaining why their prescription has changed.

Lucy Vernon, product manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "Carprodyl Quadri is an easy to administer carprofen that provides accurate dosing while reducing cost and waste and is a welcome addition to our popular pain management portfolio."

For further information, contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager.

The RCVS has issued a warning to veterinary practices not to employ the man pictured as a veterinary surgeon, because whatever he might claim, he is not one.

Peter Keniry has convictions dating back to 1986 in his native South Africa for fraud and impersonating a veterinary surgeon. The College says that in the UK, he has been known to steal the identities of legitimately registered members in order to support fraudulent applications for employment or practise fraudulently.

The College says that in the past, Mr Keniry has been able to gain employment in large and small animal practice and greyhound racing. He is known to have ties in Norfolk, Swindon, Somerset and possibly Cornwall. 

Michael Hepper, Chief Investigator at the RCVS, has worked with several police forces in order to bring Mr Keniry to justice. He said: "Peter Keniry’s modus operandi is to steal the identity of properly registered members to obtain work as a veterinary surgeon. As he impersonates members of the College whose names are legitimately on the Register, this can make it extremely difficult, even for practices that do check prospective employees’ credentials, to identify him. 

"He is well known to the College and to the police having been convicted in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2011 and has served custodial sentences for practising as a veterinary surgeon and fraud.

"Peter Keniry is a repeat offender and we suspect that he will continue to re-offend. We hope that by publishing his photograph it will help practices recognise him and contact the RCVS Professional Conduct Department should he apply for employment as a veterinary surgeon."

The RCVS Professional Conduct Department can be contacted on profcon@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0789.

The new President of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Professor Stephen May, gave his maiden speech at the RCVS Day last Friday, in which he signalled his intent to help foster a nurturing, learning culture within the veterinary profession, one that allows veterinary surgeons and nurses to learn from their mistakes and pursue a range of careers and goals.

Stephen has been an elected member of RCVS Council since 2012, having previously been an appointed member of Council representing the Royal Veterinary College between 2001 and 2009.

In 2016 he was re-elected to Council to serve a further four-year term and currently chairs the Legislation Working Party.

Stephen graduated from Cambridge in 1980 and subsequently spent time as a large animal practitioner. After undertaking further training in equine surgery and diagnostic imaging at the University of Liverpool, he studied for a PhD at the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) before returning to Liverpool as a Lecturer in Equine Orthopaedics.

He went back to the RVC in 1993 to concentrate on equine clinical services and, in 1997, became Head of the Farm Animal and Equine Clinical Department. He was appointed the RVC’s Vice-Principal for Teaching from 2000 to 2013, Deputy Principal from 2013 to 2017 and currently holds the post of Senior Vice-Principal.

Addressing the need for a learning culture in his speech Stephen said: "Veterinary graduates have never had greater knowledge and technical skills than those graduating this year. But this can make their job so much harder when the certainty of scientific knowledge is confronted with the uncertainties of the sick animal, and the increasing number of possibilities for treatment have to be weighted alongside ethical and economic considerations.

"Of his age, but also prophetic of our age, the philosopher Bertrand Russell commented that 'habits of thought cannot change as quickly as techniques with the result that as skill increases, wisdom fails'.

"So it is important that our young professionals are well-prepared in terms of professional, non-technical skills to cope with the sheer variety of challenges that they encounter, and we, as a profession, within our professional model, provide a nurturing learning culture rather than the blame and cover-up culture that the current emphasis on external regulation fosters, so pervasively and distressingly."

Stephen added that his other priorities would be working with the British Veterinary Association and other stakeholders to uphold the College’s first Brexit principle that 'vital veterinary work continues to get done', a project on graduate outcomes, which flows from the Vet Futures project, and the Legislation Working Party.

Ceva Animal Health has announced that it is to launch Prid Delta with grip tail; a new and updated version of its progesterone-releasing intravaginal device for use in cattle.

The company says that Prid Delta with grip tail retains the unique properties of Prid Delta, but now comes with a new and easy-to-use grip tail which makes it easier to extract from the cow.

In addition, research and development has enabled Ceva to produce a smaller applicator with a bevelled tip, making it more suitable for use in heifers. Lastly, Ceva says the applicator is more robust, leading to a reliable application and a better user experience.

Carol Atkinson from Ceva said: "Prid Delta with grip tail combines the well-liked features that already existed in Prid, higher progesterone release and the comfort that comes from the triangular shape, with a new and improved tail for easy removal of the product."

According to the company, Prid Delta with grip tail contains 12% more progesterone than a T-shaped device and its larger surface area (29% greater) results in higher progesterone levels in the cow. 

Prid Delta with grip tail will be available in wholesalers from 1^st August 2017.

In addition, there will be a webinar: Reproductive Management Strategies for High-Producing Dairy Herds, presented by Dr Paul M. Fricke, Ph.D. Professor of Dairy Science and Extension Specialist in Dairy Cattle Reproduction Department of Dairy Science, University of Wisconsin on 27th July at 1:00pm. The webinar, which is being hosted by www.thewebinarvet.com, will cover resynchronisation strategies and synchronisation strategies in heifers.

Ceva is also launching a new app to help veterinary surgeons and farmers improve farm performance and sustainability through better fertility management.

The app will be made available to Prid users only. Further information is available from your Ceva territory manager. If you are a Prid user and would like access to the new app you can also email Ceva: reprodaction-group@ceva.com.

A consortium of seven academics has been awarded a £1.75 million grant to understand how better diagnostics can encourage responsible antibiotic use in animals.

The award, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) working in partnership with the Department of Health and the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), is part of the cross-council 'Tackling antimicrobial resistance: behaviour within and beyond the healthcare setting’ call, part of the antimicrobial resistance cross-council initiative supported by the seven research councils in partnership with other UK funders including the Medical Research Council (MRC). 

The research team will be led by social scientists at the University of Exeter and includes two veterinary surgeons from the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, together with colleagues at the Innogen Institute of the University of Edinburgh, the British Veterinary Association and leading farm animal veterinary surgeons across the UK. 

The researchers say that better, smarter, more rapid and more accessible diagnoses - driving shifts in behaviour associated with diagnostic decision making - represent a critical step to delivering more effective uses of antibiotics in animal health. But improvements in diagnostic development and their relationship to prescription and treatment requires social, governance and technical innovations.

Professor Henry Buller, project lead from the University of Exeter’s School of Geography, said: "This is an exciting opportunity to provide a current assessment of diagnostic and treatment decision practices in the livestock sectors of the UK. Novel and innovative diagnostic tools are currently in development, and our research will generate better understanding of their development as well as the marketing and regulation of these new technologies."

Dr Kristen Reyher, Senior Lecturer in Farm Animal Science, who is the lead on the project at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, added: "Our research team – the AMR Force – has a track record of working closely with farmers, veterinarians, retailers and government bodies to encourage responsible use of antibiotics. We are excited to have this amazing opportunity to collaboratively generate, evaluate and analyse behaviours and strategies around animal disease diagnosis and to show how innovation in the development of diagnostic tools along with diagnostic regulation and governance can lead to more sensible use of antibiotics across farming systems. 

"Working with our partners, we will identify pathways and possibilities for improved diagnostic practice and will trial new diagnostic tools on a series of farms. We are very excited to take our ideas beyond the UK as well, and will conduct pilot and capacity-building research in Tanzania and also partner with a project working in Bangladesh that is co-funded by ESRC and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science."

Professor Buller added: "Employment of new diagnostics doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Our team will evaluate the implications these innovations will have for the organisation, cost-effectiveness and efficiency of veterinary practice, as well as for veterinary training. We will identify the changes in behaviour, practice and knowledge necessary to accompany the more widespread adoption of practices that are deemed effective and will assess the regulatory and governance support necessary to encourage use of beneficial practices."

The interdisciplinary team will work alongside diagnostic tool developers and regulators, veterinary practices and professional bodies, farmers and treatment decision makers, veterinary laboratories, the food industry and government regulatory authorities to develop durable and innovative strategies for facilitating and advancing smarter approaches to the use of antibiotics in agriculture.

The work will cover the major livestock species, and will involve seeking opinions from veterinary surgeons across the country, through collaboration with the BVA. 

David Barrett, Professor of Bovine Medicine, Production and Reproduction at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary Sciences, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to assess the adaptability and responsiveness of the different animal production sectors - poultry, pigs and cattle - along with a variety of veterinary structures to the trialled innovations in diagnosis and diagnostics, and will determine the likely benefits of these innovations for prescription practice, for animal health and for sustainable livestock production."

Photo: University of Bristol

Boehringer Ingelheim, manufacturer of Vetmedin, has launched Meaningful Murmurs, an online quiz for veterinary surgeons to test their knowledge about detecting clinically significant mitral valve murmur in dogs.

Hosted on the Boehringer Academy website, the three-minute quiz involves listening to 15 murmurs and deciding whether each one is clinically significant or not.

After deciding, you'll be told the grade of the murmur and if further investigation should be considered to determine if the dog has cardiomegaly. Boehringer says this is important since dogs with MVD and cardiomegaly are more likely to develop heart failure within 1 to 2 years¹.

To register on the Boehringer Academy or take part in the quiz, visit www.boehringer-academy.co.uk.

Reference

1. Boswood, A. et al. (2016) JVIM  30 (6): 1765-79

The BVA is calling on all veterinary surgeons who use veterinary scanning surveillance networks in England and Wales to complete its new survey and help ensure the networks are able to fully protect animals in the UK.

The survey - Surveillance use, understanding and engagement across the veterinary profession - is being carried out by the BVA's Surveillance Working Group, which is made up of 12 members of BVA and its divisions who have expertise in veterinary surveillance. 

Chair of the BVA Surveillance Working Group, Kate Sharpe, said: "Following several reviews, the surveillance landscape has changed in England and Wales. This survey is your chance to tell us how you engage with the current system, what you value about the surveillance reports produced and to identify areas for improvement. We want to hear from the full breadth of the profession.

"Whilst we know that disease surveillance is a priority for the profession we would like to understand what drives veterinary professionals to engage with the scanning surveillance system as it currently stands and the barriers which prevent or limit engagement. 

"This increased understanding will enable BVA to clearly set out its position on current surveillance systems and highlight key questions to pose to the Government in order to improve surveillance delivery, especially as we head into Brexit negotiations."

The survey was drafted by members of the Surveillance Working Group, with representatives from BVA’s specialist divisions, and will be promoted to members of all relevant veterinary associations.

It is the first of a series of surveillance surveys that will also include localised surveys for Northern Ireland and Scotland. Data collected will inform BVA’s policy position ensuring it is representative of disease surveillance across all the UK.

The survey will run until Friday 31 August 2017 and the BVA says that depending on your area of work, will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. As a thank you, participants will also be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon Voucher.

Take the survey.

The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) reports that over 600 veterinary surgeons and 350 nurses and technicians attended its World Feline Veterinary Congress held in Brighton.

Delegates came from 31 different countries - as far afield as Brazil, South Korea and Singapore - and attended over 28 hours of CPD which included a pre-Congress day, dentistry wetlabs, five sponsor-led symposia, two masterclasses and a main congress stream covering feline endocrinology and feline cardiology.

There were 18 speakers and feline experts, including Dr Mark Peterson and Prof Claudia Reusch leading on endocrinology, and Kieran Borgeat and Prof Virginia Luis Fuentes presenting the latest findings in cardiology.

ISFM says the initial feedback from delegates was extremely complimentary, comments including: "inspiring speakers that made it so enjoyable as well as informative", "the speakers did very high value lectures and the feline spirit was really present" and "excellent conference – lectures were informative but still practical and useful, and there was a lot of love for cats".

Running alongside the scientific programme was a busy commercial exhibition and a poster room showcasing original research, case series and case reports from 17 individuals who all received a 50% discount on the cost of their congress registration. 

On the social side, there was a welcome reception sponsored by Hill's which included a ride on the world’s first vertical cable car. Boehringer Ingelheim stumped up for cocktails and canapes on the first evening, and fish and chips with live music on Brighton Pier on the Friday, and Idexx threw in prosecco and cupcakes after lectures on Saturday afternoon.

This year, ISFM ran a nursing programme which was so popular, it required a change of venue. Sam Taylor, Director of ISFM’s nursing distance education courses who chaired much of the meeting said: "It has been a real pleasure to welcome so many nurses to our Congress. We have been overwhelmed by the response and although we will not always be able to have a nursing stream at congress we will certainly ensure that we run ISFM events for nurses in 2018, so watch this space!"

Next year’s ISFM Congress is being held in the city of Sorrento on the Amalfi coast in Italy. Taking place from 28^th June to 1^st July, the congress will cover feline urology and feline oncology. Full details of the congress are yet to be published but over 250 delegates in Brighton have already registered their interest.