The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a case against a Kent veterinary surgeon convicted of tail-docking and also charged with misleadingly altering an owner's record relating to tail dockings.
At the outset of the four-day hearing, David Smith, of Lakeview Veterinary Centre, Deal, admitted he had been convicted of an offence of tail docking on 14 December 2010 at the Channel Magistrates Court.
He said that, in 2008, he had misinterpreted the legislation about tail docking and as a result had removed the tails of a litter of 13 Rottweiler puppies. He was subsequently convicted of illegal docking.
Mr Smith also accepted he had altered the owner's record, at the owner's request, when the RSPCA was investigating the circumstances of the docking by adding the words "for law enforcement", but maintained this alteration was to clarify the record to which he had initially added the words "for security selection"; he denied any attempt to mislead, or that he ought to have known it may mislead.
The Committee accepted that Mr Smith misinterpreted the legislation and had taken some steps to satisfy himself that the tail docking was legal, namely: he had asked an employee colleague to make enquires of the College and, as advised, he had downloaded a copy of the AWA 2006 to read and to make his own decision with regard to legality; some enquiry had been made by the practice of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) at Reigate; and, Mr Smith had himself researched dog breeds on the Kennel Club website.
The Committee also accepted that he had asked and been told that the client had previously supplied dogs to the police.
However, the Committee found that these steps were inadequate; in particular, he should have contacted the College and Defra himself and not delegated this to administrative staff. Furthermore, that he should have obtained confirmation of the advice given in writing.
Regarding the alteration of the owner's record, the Committee was satisfied that this annotation was added for clarification. The Committee was not satisfied that the addition 'for law enforcement' altered the meaning of what was already stated on this form, and found the wording confirmed Mr Smith's misapprehension at the time of the legality of the tail docking.
This charge, which alleged that the alteration had been carried out misleadingly, was dismissed.
The Committee also said that Mr Smith's reluctance to engage with the police and the RSPCA during their later investigation had been regrettable: as a professional he had had a duty to co-operate fully. However, it concluded that this had been "of little probative significance".
The Committee would like to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every practising veterinary surgeon to ensure that tail docking is legal in each and every instance before carrying out the procedure. If there is any doubt, then tail docking should not take place.
In deciding whether Mr Smith was fit to practise, the Committee took into account two previous RCVS Disciplinary Committee findings involving tail-docking.
It concluded these were significantly different. In the first case, the respondent knew that the tail docking he had carried out was illegal. On the contrary Mr Smith had misguidedly believed the docking he carried out was permitted.
In the second case there had been several charges, in addition to the charge of tail docking. In this case no charges other than those related to tail docking had been alleged against Mr Smith.
It further noted that no issues of clinical competence were raised, and that the dockings were undertaken less than 12 months after the new legislation came into force.
Speaking on behalf of the Committee, Vice-Chairman Beverley Cottrell, who chaired the hearing, said: "The Committee has expressed its disapproval about Mr Smith's failure to make adequate investigations of the College and of Defra, and his erroneous interpretation of the Act.
"In reaching its decision, the Committee has paid particular attention to issues of animal welfare, maintaining public confidence in the profession and the upholding of proper standards of conduct.
It has concluded that Mr Smith's conduct fell short of that to be expected of a veterinary surgeon but does not consider that it fell far short."
After directing that the case should be dismissed, Mrs Cottrell added: "The Committee would like to make it clear that it is the responsibility of every practising veterinary surgeon to ensure that tail docking is legal in each and every instance before carrying out the procedure. If there is any doubt, then tail docking should not take place."
Developed in partnership with the Veterinary Client Mediation Service (VCMS), the course uses practical examples based on real-life experiences.
The course shows how to assess complaints from a client’s perspective and how building client relationships can help defuse complaints.
Jennie Jones, Head of VCMS, said: "Leveraging insights from the VCMS and involving our entire team with its production has enabled us to develop highly effective materials that ensure veterinary professionals are well-equipped to manage complaints."
The course takes one hour to complete.
academy.rcvs.org.uk
All vets are encouraged to take part, and everyone who does will get a copy of the results.
The survey covers small animal, large animal and equine in all aspects of preventative health care and surgery.
It also looks at repeat prescription charges, the routine use of analgesia and antibiotics in neutering and lab interpretation fees, comparing them to last year.
https://surveys.spvs.org.uk
Henry won the title in recognition of his work tackling bird flu, as the outbreak of this devastating disease spread across the country this summer.
A total of 140 nominations were received for this year’s Zoetis-sponsored award, which celebrates vets who have made a significant impact in the first stages of their professional career.
The judging panel comprised BVA President Anna Judson, Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) President Sue Paterson, National Veterinary Lead Ruminant and Equine at Zoetis UK Ally Ward, and last year’s award winner vet Hannah Hunt.
In addition to his work tackling bird flu, the judges also acknowledged Henry’s role in encouraging other young vets to join the poultry industry.
After graduating from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in 2018, he began working at Crowshall Veterinary Services, Norfolk, providing dedicated consultancy and Official Veterinarian (OV) provision to the poultry/gamebird industry across Great Britain and internationally.
This has seen him working through the recent bird flu outbreaks, holding multiple OV panels, and preparing for export changes associated with Brexit.
Henry is also a mental health first aider and trustee of regional rural mental health charity You Are Not Alone (YANA), deputy rotation lead for the new RVC poultry rotation, which takes its first students in 2024, and is also co-lead of his practice green group through which he has steered his practice to the top Green accreditation for sustainability with Investors in the Environment.
In his role as external lecturer for the RVC, Henry provides opportunities to engage with avian population medicine for new members of the profession.
Henry said: “To be named BVA Young Vet of the Year is a huge honour and it means all the more having heard about the outstanding work, dedication and skills of the other two finalists.
I’m delighted that after a challenging few years the poultry sector has been highlighted tonight, as all those involved have worked tirelessly to overcome the largest animal health outbreak the UK has experienced in recent times - I hope that winning this award will encourage more young vets to consider joining us in the poultry sector.
"It’s extremely rewarding work.”
Henry was shortlisted alongside vet Rebecca Hampson, who co-founded animal welfare charity Veterinary Education Malawi, and equine vet Camilla Church, who set up her own practice, Perth Equine Vets.
BVA President Anna Judson said: “The standard of nominations this year was outstanding. It sounds cliché, but we really did have our work cut out when choosing the finalists.”
Photo: Young Vet of the Year Henry Lamb with finalists Rebecca Hampson, BVA President Anna Judson and Camilla Church.jpg
Avishield IB G1-13 is indicated for active immunisation of chicks to reduce the adverse effect on cilia caused by infectious bronchitis.
The vaccine is one of two targeting the IBV 793B serotype and, with the addition of this new claim, Avishield can now be administrated on broiler, broiler breeder and laying hen farms.
Avishield IB GI-13 is a lyophilisate for oculonasal suspension/use in drinking water which contains live avian infectious bronchitis virus variant strain V-173/11: 102.7-104.6 EID50.
It has an onset of immunity 10 days after vaccination and a duration of immunity of 56 days.
Johnny Wells West, poultry key account manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: “The new licence extension for Avishield IB G1-13 allows greater flexibility for poultry producers to protect their flocks against infectious bronchitis on broiler, broiler breeder and laying hen farms and it is welcome news for both Dechra and the poultry industry.”
For more information contact Johnny Wells West on 07584 175758 or visit http://www.dechra.co.uk/Avishield IB G1-13
The new service is being headed by Dr Katia Marioni-Henry.
Katia graduated from the University of Parma in 1995 and went on to do a PhD in Clinical Electrodiagnostic at the University of Turin and Scott-Ritchey Research Center in Auburn, Alabama.
Her early career was spent at various American universities, where she became a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, with a subspecialty in Neurology and finally an Assistant Professor of Neurology and Neurosurgery at the University of Tennessee.
Katia came to the UK to work as a consultant in neurology and neurosurgery for a number of large referral practices, before moving to the University of Edinburgh in 2013, where she started the neurology/neurosurgery service, building it from scratch to a nine-strong team.
Katia said: “This is absolutely the best place to be brought in an emergency, but previously we’d have to refer some cases elsewhere for conditions affecting the brain, peripheral nerves or the spine.
“Now some of these debilitating neurological conditions can be diagnosed and treated rapidly here without having to transport the animal.”
“With our CT scanner, for example, we can diagnose slipped discs quickly, especially in small breeds, and treat them surgically.
“And we can use it for brain scans if there is trauma or if we suspect a tumour or severe inflammation in the brain.
“We can do a lumbar tap to rule out inflammation of the central nervous system either on infectious or immune-mediated basis.”
Scientists at the University of Liverpool have, for the first time, revealed that digital dermatitis (DD) has been present on hoof knifes used on cattle and sheep following research1 jointly funded by DairyCo and EBLEX.
The research conducted at the University investigated if DD Treponeme can be present on equipment used to trim cattle and sheep hooves. The research team, led by Dr Nicholas Evans and Professor Stuart Carter of the University of Liverpool and in collaboration with Roger Blowey MRCVS, tested trimming equipment used on cattle and sheep with digital dermatitis and after it was disinfected.
After trimming, DD was present on 97% of cattle blades and 100% of sheep blades. This was reduced to 29% and 46% respectively after disinfection.
Dr Evans said: "It has long been considered that digital dermatitis was spread in slurry which we have some evidence for and are continuing to investigate but now, for the first time, we have discovered the digital dermatitis bugs in the farm environment.
"However, the high detection rate of digital dermatitis bacteria on trimming blades soon after trimming cattle and sheep hooves from digital dermatitis cases suggests this may be a significant and worrying route for the transmission of this infectious condition."
Leigh Sullivan, who conducted the field work as part of her study, said: "Interestingly, in the world of human dentistry, a completely different species of the bacteria is found to cause gum disease. Furthermore, studies have shown it will adhere to metal on orthodontic braces which is consistent with our detection of the digital dermatitis Treponeme on metallic trimming knives."
Dr Jenny Gibbons, DairyCo research & development manager, added: "This DairyCo and EBLEX-funded study could help farmers, vets and hoof trimmers to understand more about the transmission of digital dermatitis between cows and farms. A logical precaution to limit the spread is to disinfect hoof trimming equipment between animals and between farms."
To find out more about this and other R&D projects, DairyCo is hosting a research day on 17 July at Trenault Farm, Launceston, Cornwall.
To book a place, visit: dairyco.org.uk/researchday2014
Reference
The aim of the week is to help pet owners identify common symptoms of eye disease and to seek prompt veterinary attention where appropriate.
To support the initiative, TVM UK is supplying veterinary practices with a kit to create their own waiting room display to inform owners about the common symptoms of eye disease. Pet owners can obtain further, more in-depth information by scanning a QR code on their smartphone camera which takes them directly to the webpage www.tvm-uk.com/eyehealth.
There is also a ‘Who’s Got Their Eye on You’ mini quiz to help engage clients to see if they can spot one of their pets in the animal line up.
Will Peel, Product Manager at TVM UK said: "Eye problems in pets can sometimes be hard for pet owners to pick up so we have launched Pet Eye Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of common symptoms of poor eye heath so problems can be identified early and pet owners can seek veterinary advice quickly."
For more information, contact your local territory manager, email help@tvm-uk.com or call 0800 0385868. You can find additional eye-health related social media content at: www.tvm-uk.com.
RSPCA Chief Veterinary Officer, Caroline Allen, today praised the vets and nurses who are providing essential care to animals through the crisis.
She said: “This is an incredibly challenging time for the RSPCA, trying to advise the public and keeping emergency services going with fewer staff, strained resources and in line with Government advice.
"I know this is equally stressful and challenging for vet staff too and I wanted to say a huge thank you from everyone at the RSPCA for your hard work, dedication and support you are giving the RSPCA.
"Our call centre team and officer are working hard to maintain a frontline animal welfare service, but we know there may be occasions where we are unable to attend and this may impact demand on the local vet practice."
Current guidance from the BVA defines emergency and urgent treatment as:
Caroline continued: "There are some circumstances particular to the RSPCA, such as animals that have been subject to abuse or severe neglect, or injured/unwell unowned animals, that may not initially appear to be such an “emergency” in the traditional sense, but our officers will only be collecting them if there is considered to be ‘significant impact on health/welfare and likely to deteriorate if left unmanaged’ as covered by the BVA emergency criteria. We would greatly appreciate your support in ensuring we can protect the welfare of these animals.
"Our National Control Centre will also be following the guidance from the BVA and will be limiting, wherever possible, sending members of the public to vets. However, on occasions where there is a welfare need that would justify an essential journey, we will always ask members of the public to call practices first and follow their social distancing protocols.
"For vets who provide care for our shelters and private boarders we understand the support available will be limited, we will be producing further advice for our teams around options, including remote support.
"We do understand and appreciate the current restrictions being put in place by the BVA and we do understand the very serious strain on practices and teams at this time and we hope that we can continue to work together during this unprecedented time."
Zoetis has announced the introduction of Equimidine solution in a 50% larger plastic bottle.
The company says the new 15ml multi-dose presentation, now in plastic rather than glass, offers greater safety, as well as cost-saving advantages to practices.
Equimidine, containing 10mg/ml detomidine hydrochloride and methyl parahydroxybenzoate 1 mg/ml as a preservative, is a clear solution for intravenous injection. It has sedative and analgesic properties and is indicated for use either alone or in combination with butorphanol to facilitate the handling of horses for clinical examinations, minor surgical procedures and other manipulations. It can also be used with ketamine for short duration general anaesthesia for surgical procedures such as castration.
According to the company, the new 15ml plastic bottle is more cost-effective per dose than the old 10ml glass vial. It is also safer to use as the bottle is less likely to break if accidentally dropped. The multi-dose facility involves a tightly fitted rubber bung through which a sterile needle can be inserted to withdraw each dose.
Penny McCann, Equine Product Manager, Zoetis UK Ltd, said: "The new presentation provides practical benefits for vets and the larger bottle size means the product is now even more cost-effective."
For more information, speak to your Zoetis Account Manager, refer to the SPC or contact Zoetis Customer Support on 0845 3008034.
Kruuse UK has announced the launch of its new Mud Fever Kits for horses.
Kruuse says the launch follows independent studies last year by Aimi Duff BVM&S, MRCVS (Scott, Mitchell & Associates, Hexham) on the use of Manuka ND dressings for the treatment of Mud Fever.
The kit contains one complete treatment for two legs (or two complete treatments for one leg) including all dressings. There is also a step-by-step guide from the "Ask the Vet" series which explains best treatment protocol, designed to help veterinary surgeons dispense the kit directly to clients with confidence.
According to the company, the benefits of using medical grade Manuka Honey in the treatment of Mud Fever include:
Andrew Groom, Managing Director of Kruuse UK Ltd said: "We are delighted with the initial response to our unique Mud Fever Kits; such additions to our range continue to enhance the Kruuse commitment to equine wound care."
Defra has announced plans to form a new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England which will bring experts including farmers, veterinary surgeons, welfare experts and others from outside Government together with the Chief Veterinary Officer and civil servants to make direct policy recommendations on policy affecting the health and welfare of all kept animals such as farm animals, horses and pets.
According to Agriculture Minister Jim Paice, it is the first time that people affected by Government policy on animal health and welfare will make recommendations on those policies directly to Ministers.
Mr Paice said: "This is a completely new way of working. It replaces the old ways, where the people most affected by decisions were kept at arm's length from policy making on those subjects.
"This is about the Big Society not just existing in our communities, but in the heart of Government - helping to put the decisions in the hands of those who are doing the work on the ground.
"We've already seen the success of a partnership between farmers and the Government with the work that's been done on bluetongue - which has seen the disease virtually eradicated in this country."
Final decisions on animal health and welfare policy will remain in the hands of Government Ministers.
The Board will be made up of around 12 members, 5 senior Defra officials including the Chief Veterinary Officer, and 7-8 external members including the chair. The external members will have experience and knowledge of kept and farmed animals, animal and veterinary science, and animal welfare, and could be farmers, veterinarians, animal welfare experts.
The Board and its members will have to represent the views of all stakeholders so will be expected to communicate with them regularly.
The Board's responsibilities will include:
The Board will not be set up as a non departmental public body or arms length body. It will form part of the internal structure of Defra.
Commenting on the announcement, Harvey Locke, President of the British Veterinary Association, said: "The BVA is delighted that both the Advisory Group and Ministers have taken note of the veterinary profession's views in drawing up these plans.
"We said from the outset that genuine responsibility sharing has to be achieved before cost sharing can be discussed and we warned against earlier plans to separate animal health policy from animal welfare policy, as the two are intrinsically linked.
"Animal health and welfare policy issues require expert, scientific input and it will be essential that the new Board includes veterinary representation. We believe that the Board will provide the right mechanism for ensuring decisions are based on sound science.
"The new Board will also have to work closely with the three devolved administrations to ensure that animal health and welfare policies across the UK are joined up and complementary."
Vetoquinol has just launched its Marbocyl 10% online case study competition in which veterinary surgeons are being invited to provide information about how they treat E.coli mastitis. Two winners (one in the UK and one in Ireland) will win a BCF EASI-SCAN cattle ultrasound scanner with goggles worth over £6000.
Vetoquinol's large animal product manager, Susan Mitchell said: "We hope that this case study competition will help us gather further information on how E.coli mastitis is treated by veterinary surgeons in the UK and Ireland. I would encourage large animal veterinary surgeons to be part of this UK and Irish survey to highlight the severity of the disease and share their success stories."
The competition will run until the end of October 2011.
For your chance to win a BCF EASI-SCAN and goggles visit http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/.
Cornerstone Veterinary Clinic, which was founded by Peter Herold in 2011, currently employs a 15-strong team, who are all now practice owners and shareholders in the business.
Peter got the inspiration from reading about how Pennard Vets had become the world’s largest employee-owned practice in order to protect both its independence and core values.
He then contacted the directors at Pennard Vets, who helped guide him through the process.
Peter said: “After starting Cornerstone 11 years ago, we have developed a longstanding, loyal and dedicated team who are all very popular with our established client base across Belfast and beyond.
"I genuinely love Cornerstone, and so do our team and clients, and although I’m not ready to retire yet, the end of my professional life will come in the next decade, so I wanted to start planning for it.
“The obvious option would be to sell the practice to a corporate chain, but I knew that would change how we worked.
"There would be much more emphasis on profit levels, and we’d be forced to make decisions that we were uncomfortable with.
"We have an amazing team who are full of ideas about how to make Cornerstone even better and to guarantee a successful future, the practice needs to continue growing in a way that works for its people, our clients and their pets.
“When I read about Pennard Vets becoming an EOT, it immediately resonated with me, and I hoped it could be an option for Cornerstone.
"I then attended a webinar with speakers from Pennard Vets, and I kept in touch with them afterwards.
"They explained the set-up and how it benefits their team, as well as putting us in touch with specialists in EOTs.
"Ultimately it was Pennard Vets’ knowledge and enthusiasm that convinced me it was the right route for us.”
Peter added: “Our senior team at Cornerstone are all very skilled and share common values in relation to customer service, veterinary care and client charges, and it’s this ethos that makes us popular with clients.
“Making the business an EOT will ensure this continues by safeguarding the future of the business, whilst giving each member of the team the benefit of being a business owner without them having to buy in.
"It also means I can continue to work as a vet, but share the management side of the practice with the entire team who can help to make the important decisions, which is an exciting prospect for everyone involved.”
Matthew Flann from Pennard Vets said: “We became an EOT to maintain our independence and give everyone in our team both autonomy and a voice, as well as preserving our core values around compassion, client focus and continually improving everything we do.
"This came at a time when it’s increasingly difficult for vets to buy into practices and the traditional partner progression model no longer works, which makes EOTs even more appealing and a positive step for the profession as a whole.
“It’s been genuinely transformational for Pennard Vets, and we now regularly hear from practice owners who are exploring becoming an EOT.
"There are now several other successful businesses currently on the journey and when Peter contacted us, we were happy to offer our help and guidance.
"Cornerstone is a successful practice, with a highly skilled and dedicated team, so its independence is worth protecting, and becoming an EOT will give it a bright future.”
In the Horiba-sponsored webinar, Kit will draw on personal experience and case study examples to illustrate how the innovative use of adjunctive tests can support rapid clinical decision-making when triaging patients.
For example, Kit will consider whether inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A can be used to assess if current signs are likely associated with inflammatory diseases, such as pancreatitis, or whether further investigation is required to determine cause of illness.
Kit will also consider the case of Ollie a 10-year-old German shorthaired pointer presenting as vaguely unwell with reduced appetite.
Is this just a flare-up of his chronic osteoarthritis and likely to respond to pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment, or something else?
Attendees will be able to questions in a live Q&A session at the end of the webinar.
Horiba's team will also be on hand to answer questions on in-house diagnostics.
For free registration, visit: https://bit.ly/3wGADcm
The company says AI Masses will allow veterinary professionals to analyse lesions suggestive of cancer in-clinic and with a fast turnaround.
The AI technology, which has been trained by human clinical pathologists, should enable individualised treatment outcomes earlier for more cases.
Zoetis says AI Masses only needs a single round of sample preparation and the results can, at additional cost, be supplemented with an expert review from a network of specialists through Zoetis’ Virtual Laboratory.
Dr. Richard Goldstein, DVM, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, Global Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis said: “Waiting for results can be stressful for pet owners – even more so when it involves a cancer screening.
"Our research shows that up to 75% of pet owners find abnormal results highly stressful.1
"AI Masses is yet another point-of-care capability to deliver results in-clinic, further exemplifies Zoetis’ purpose to advance care for animals, shortening anxious wait times to allow for faster care decisions that help provide the best possible outcome.”
Pre-orders will be announced for US customers in Q2 2025.
VetSurgeon.org understands AI Masses will be coming to the UK some time in 2025.
https://www.zoetisdiagnostics.com
Pfizer has repeated it's call for veterinary practice staff to take part in its Vet Support+ independent, industry-wide survey of employee engagement.
The survey gives practice team members, who are not partners or owners, the chance to have their say about their role and career and the future of the profession. Participants are asked to consider how they feel towards their practice and delve into issues on teamwork and communication, management techniques, personal development opportunities and working environment.
More than 3,000 vet practice staff have already completed the survey, a phenomenal early response which suggests practice employees are keen to have their voices heard. However, the closing date for the survey isn't till Friday 29th July, so if you haven't yet had a chance to do the survey, there is still time.
Pfizer Business Consultant, Vanessa Wilson, has more than 20 years experience helping businesses, teams and individuals achieve their goals. She is not surprised at the significant early response: "Questions on the level of employee engagement and satisfaction come up all the time in the work we do with practices. I'm not surprised that staff are using this opportunity to have their voice heard.
"Once completed, this survey will provide some very useful data and direction for the industry as a whole and I'd like to think it will identify opportunities for both individual career development and practice growth."
All members of staff employed within a practice who have not received a mailing and wish to participate are welcome to respond online. http://www.noesis-mi.com/surveys/employeesurvey/.
Pfizer says the findings, which are expected to be released in the autumn, will deliver a national and regional view of the current employee engagement landscape.
For further information about Vet Support+ Business Services from Pfizer visit www.vetsupportplus.co.uk.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Buprenodale, an opioid analgesic for cats, dogs and horses presented in a 10ml multi-dose vial.
Carol Morgan, Brand Manager said: "Following on from the introduction of Comfortan and Anesketin, our Buprenodale Multidose, 0.3 mg/ml solution for injection for dogs, cats and horses, is the latest addition to the portfolio.
"The active substance in Buprenodale is buprenorphine, the most commonly used opioid analgesic in small animal practice in the UK.
"Buprenodale Multidose joins a portfolio of Dechra products covering a wide range of species, different levels of analgesic efficacy and duration of action.
"The product is now available in a 10 ml multidose vial. It is suitable for post-operative analgesia in dogs and cats; post operative analgesia, in combination with sedation, in horses and potentiation of the sedative effects of centrally acting agents in the dog and horse."
For more information www.dechra.co.uk .
Vets Now Referrals has launched a new specialist veterinary referral service to serve Aberdeen and the North.
Richard Coe MA VetMB CertSAS DipECVS MRCVS (pictured right) and Professor Stuart Carmichael BVMS MVM DSAO MRCVS will attend Ardene House Veterinary Hospital in Aberdeen on a monthly rotational basis to offer specialist care to pets from the area. Richard is a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery and Professor Carmichael is an internationally recognised expert in veterinary orthopaedics.
By bringing these two specialist surgeons to Aberdeen, it will mean that vets can refer their clients to have their initial consultations and diagnoses locally by either Richard or Stuart, reducing the need for a lengthy journey to Vets Now Referrals in Glasgow where they are usually based. Vets Now says that where possible, treatment plans will be carried out in Aberdeen, however complex treatments may require the facilities and high tech equipment at its Glasgow Hospital.
Any vet wishing to make an enquiry about referring to Richard or Stuart should call 01224 478 041. Further information about the service can also be found on www.vetsnowreferrals.com/aberdeen.
Tricia Colville, Hospital Manager of Vets Now Referrals, Glasgow, said: "We are delighted to now be able to offer our specialist service for vets in the North of Scotland to utilise for their clients. The Vets Now Referrals Hospital in Glasgow has been so successful since it opened over a year ago, benefiting hundreds of pets and their owners. Bringing the service to Aberdeen and the surrounding region will provide vets with local access to Richard Coe and Professor Stuart Carmichael who are both renowned in their fields and for their clients this provides a convenient option which will greatly reduce time-consuming, distressing and costly journeys for them."
A new study has found that the UK domestic cat and dog population is larger than previously reported by industry figures. Cats and dogs are amongst the most popular pets in the UK but it has been over 20 years since domestic cat and dog population estimates in the UK have been published in scientific peer-reviewed journals.
The paper published in the Veterinary Record by Dr Jane Murray in the Department of Clinical Veterinary Science at Bristol University and colleagues, aimed to estimate the number of UK domestic cats and dogs and identify the characteristics of their owners. The figures are also useful to the animal health and welfare professions, including rescue charities, which can use these and future estimates to assess population changes.
In 2007, a telephone survey of households randomly selected from the electoral roll revealed that cats and dogs were owned by 26 per cent and 31 per cent of households, respectively. The number of owned cats and dogs were predicted by two variables: the number of people in the household and the geographical location (London/rest of UK) of the household. UK census information and mid-year population estimates of the number of households and the average household size in 2006 in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland were used to estimate that UK households owned approximately 10.3 million cats and 10.5 million dogs in 2006.
Dr Murray said: "Our 95% confidence intervals were 9.4-11.3 million cats and 9.6-11.4 million dogs".
This compares with PFMA estimates of 7.2 million cats and 7.3 million dogs in 2007, and 8 million cats and 8 million dogs in 2009.
Characteristics associated with cat and dog ownership were also identified. Cats were more likely to be owned by; households with gardens, semi-urban/rural households, households with someone qualified to degree level, respondents who were female and respondents who were aged less than 65 years. Cats were less likely to be owned by households with one or more dogs.
The likelihood of dog ownership increased as the household size increased. Dogs were more likely to be owned by households with gardens, rural households and less likely to be owned by households with someone educated to degree level and households with cats or children aged less than 11 years.
Female respondents and those aged less than 55 years were more likely to report dog ownership than other respondents. Dogs were less likely to be owned by households with one or more cats.
Dr. Murray added: "The study has shown many common factors relating to cat and dog ownership, such as a garden and rural location, but it has also identified some notable differences.
"In particular, the difference in the level of education achieved by a household owning cats and dogs. The reason for this association is unclear. It is unlikely to be related to household income as this variable was not shown to be significant but it could be related to household members with longer working hours having less time available to care for a dog.
"Past reports have suggested that the number of pet cats exceeds the number of pet dogs in the UK. However, results from our study suggest that there are similar numbers of pet cats and dogs."
The researchers recommend the study is repeated in 2011, (the year of the next scheduled UK census), as any increase or decrease in population numbers will enable pet ownership trends to be monitored.
The change to the Practice Standards rules means that RVNs who have at least five years’ experience within the profession are eligible to apply to become PSS Assessors.
PSS Assessors are employees of the RCVS who are responsible for visiting practices that want to join the scheme, are undergoing their re-accreditation assessment or have applied for one or more of the PSS Awards, to ensure they meet the criteria.
The decision to allow RVNs to become PSS Assessors had already been approved by both the Practice Standards Group (the steering committee for the Scheme comprising representatives from all of the major veterinary and veterinary nursing organisations in the UK) and the RCVS Standards Committee.
Matthew Rendle is the Chair of VN Council and also sits as a member of RCVS Council. He said: “I am delighted to see that there is now a pathway to recruit veterinary nurses as PSS Assessors and hope that many of my VN colleagues will take up this opportunity to apply to join the excellent team responsible for ensuring that the Scheme’s stringent standards are met.
"We know that, on a practice-by-practice basis, veterinary nurses often play a big role in helping to coordinate and ensure that the requirements of the Practice Standards Scheme are met, for example, by preparing their team for the assessment, liaising with the RCVS and the Assessor and making sure all standards are complied with in advance. It is great to see that the crucial role they often play in meeting standards is reflected in opening up the ability to become PSS Assessors."
Mandisa Greene, RCVS President and Chair of the Practice Standards Group, added: “This is such an important development for the veterinary nursing profession whose role in the Practice Standards Scheme has long been recognised as invaluable. This decision also opens up new career advancement opportunities for the profession as well, which I’m sure is very welcome."
When the next recruitment round for PSS Assessors takes place, RVNs will be invited to apply to join the roster of Assessors.
In addition to approving the role of RVNs as PSS Assessors, Council also approved a new Equine Emergency Services Clinic accreditation to help incorporate the emerging business model of veterinary practices that provide ambulatory emergency services for equids.
The new accreditation would require these practices to meet the applicable PSS Core Standards, plus the requirements contained in an additional Equine Emergency Services module. The full details of the requirements will be published in due course.
For more information about the Practice Standards Scheme visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/pss
Burgess reminds everyone that RVHD2 is a highly infectious strain of RVHD with few or no visible symptoms. It is fatal and can kill within hours. RVHD2 poses a significant threat to Britain’s rabbit population and outbreaks have been reported all over the UK and Ireland meaning no area is safe.
According to the company, the most recent sales figures show that only 137,405 RVHD2 vaccinations have been distributed in the last year1. This, says the company, shows a concerning number of practices are still not stocking the necessary vaccines to protect rabbits against RVHD2 and other fatal diseases.
Rabbits who have received the combined vaccination for RVHD and myxomatosis need a separate vaccination for RVHD2.
BSAVA President Sue Paterson said: "The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) supports the Rabbit Awareness Week 'Protect and Prevent' approach to saving the lives of rabbits in the UK. The BSAVA urges all rabbit owners to get their rabbits vaccinated against this disease and encourages all practices to remind their clients of the importance of doing this."
Richard Saunders BVSc DZooMed MRCVS said: "It's important for vets to be aware of the importance of vaccinating rabbits against all 3 viral diseases: Myxomatosis, RVHD1 and RVHD2.
"We certainly don't want rabbits to go without their annual myxomatosis vaccine: this horrible disease is very much still around. RVHD1 appears to have been overtaken by the new variant, RVHD2, but should still be vaccinated against.
"RVHD2 is a recent strain of the RVHD virus, which the Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine does not cover, and it is, quite literally, everywhere. Transported by inanimate objects as well as animals, it can affect both indoor and outdoor rabbits anywhere in the UK.
"If you wait until you see the first case in your area before recommending vaccination, rabbits will die, when this could be avoided.
"Remember that rabbit owners are much more likely to bury their dead pets at home than cat and especially dog owners, who generally bring their pets to a vet for cremation, and so we, as a profession, are under-aware of the incidence of the disease out there.
"RVHD2 is a core vaccination requirement, being endemic in the UK. Additionally, it’s not just a fatal disease, it’s a fatal disease with a reservoir in the wild. We strongly recommend vaccination of rabbits with either Filavac or Eravac in addition to Nobivac Myxo-RHD."
For more information on this year’s campaign and to request your RAW veterinary pack with marketing materials and free samples, visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk
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 kit uses an indirect semi-quantitative IgG antibody assay which provides an easy-to-read colour change which clearly distinguishes normal IgG levels (>8mg/ml; colourless), partial FPT (4-8mg/ml; pink) and levels generally considered diagnostic of complete FPT (<4mg/ml; purple).
Vetlabs says the kit has a proven sensitivity and specificity of 97.4% and 93.6% respectively, and responds equally well with anticoagulant whole blood, serum or plasma. And with no additional equipment or refrigerated storage required, it is a true field test.
Mike Fleming, CEO of Vetlab Supplies Ltd said: "It’s not often you get to launch an equine diagnostic that’s genuinely life saving. With Fastest IgG Equine, vets can now give a clear-cut Failure of Passive Transfer (FPT) diagnosis at farms, stables or equestrian centres – and all in just 10 minutes."
According to the company, as many as 1 in 5 new-born foals can suffer some degree of IgG FPT. Foals with no antibody protection, due to complete FTP, have an estimated 75% chance of contracting debilitating or life-threatening infection. Even foals with some protection following partial FPT have only a 50% chance of resisting invaders such as Anaplasma, Giardia and Cryptosporidium.
The new-born foal’s absorption of maternal antibodies is most efficient in the first 6 to 8 hours of life, effectively ceasing after 24 to 36 hours. Veterinary surgeons and managers of equestrian facilities have only this narrow window to recognise FPT and act to save a valuable new-born from life threatening infection.
Mike added: "With Fastest Equine as part of their field kit, equine vets are equipped to diagnose and treat antibody deficient foals with life-saving colostrum, colsotrum formula substitute, or administer oral or intravenous IgG, within that critical first 24 hours."
330 people who took part in the survey were presented with a list of management and leadership skills. Those of the respondents who are leaders were asked to rate their confidence in applying the skills, whilst those in non-management positions were asked to rate their line manager's skills. Both sets of respondents were also asked to place the skills in priority order.
The management skills were: Setting clear tasks and objectives. Providing clear roles and responsibilities. Communicating clearly and effectively. Monitoring and evaluating. Planning and organising. Effectively managing difficult situations.
The leadership skills were: Providing rationale and explaining why. Regularly providing and seeking feedback. Building trust. Providing guidance and training. Creating development plans and opportunities.
Interestingly, the survey found a close correlation between how the leaders and the employees prioritise these things, with management skills being perceived as more important overall than leadership skills.
Communicating clearly and effectively was deemed the most important skill of all (ranked 9 out of 10 by both groups). Meanwhile, creating development plans and opportunities for others was prioritised the least (ranked 3.7/10).
But hang on a moment. If both the managers and the employees agree that creating development plans and opportunities is the least important thing, then surely it is? In other words, if employees say that creating development plans is unimportant, then surely it is unimportant, and if leaders think the same, they would appear to be right.
Maybe, maybe not. Perhaps employees don't know what's good for them, and leaders don't know what employees don't know what is good for them. If you take my point.
Veterinary leaders were then asked to rate their confidence in applying the listed leadership and management skills. The skills which elicited the largest number of 'not confident' responses were: monitoring and evaluating performance, regularly providing and seeking feedback, and creating development plans and opportunities for others.
The skills with which leaders were most confident were: communicating clearly and effectively, building trust, and providing rationale and explaining why.
Again, there was a close correlation between prioritisation of these skills and confidence levels.
VMG Vice President Richard Casey said: “The survey has helped us to identify priorities for learning and development both at our 2020 Congress and during our joint CPD programme next year. It is striking that the very skills required to motivate colleagues to remain in veterinary medicine and to support them in doing so are the ones which so many veterinary leaders admit that they lack confidence. Given the challenges the profession faces, it is also concerning that they appear to be undervalued both by veterinary leaders and the team members who report to them.
"Delegates to SPVS-VMG Congress and our other 2020 CPD events will benefit from a wealth of evidence-based lectures from experts on all aspects of veterinary leadership and management, enabling them to improve their own performance and contribute to an overall raising of standards of leadership and management across the veterinary sector."
Peter Brown, Senior Vice-President of SPVS, said: "We know that veterinary students receive an excellent clinical training and, in recent years, universities have started to include more non-clinical skills on the curriculum. However, these results suggest that when professionals move into more senior roles, be it leading a team or running their own practice, they find they still need to acquire new skills. SPVS’ role has always been to equip veterinary professionals to be effective leaders and SPVS-VMG congress is an excellent opportunity to both hear inspiring speakers and meet and learn from fellow leaders within the profession."
The VMG-SPVS 2020 joint Congress takes place from 23-25 January at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, and will feature dedicated streams on effective leadership, management mastery, practice profitability, preparing for a digital future and sustainability in practice.
Details on the VMG-SPVS 2020 CPD Programme can be found here: https://spvs-vmg-events.co.uk/cpd-events/