Normally, students would be required to complete a minimum of 38 weeks of EMS throughout their degree programme in order to gain real-life work experience to enhance their university-based studies.
Under the circumstances, however, Council has decided to allow a temporary flexibility around completion of EMS:
RCVS President Niall Connell said: “Extra-Mural Studies (EMS) are an important and valued part of the veterinary programme, and all students are required to complete a total of 38 weeks across the full programme.
“However, the health and safety of students and staff are paramount, and we are aware that a number of restrictions are being put in place at this time to ensure their safety and minimise the risk of Covid-19 transmission.”
These measures will be subject to further review/extension depending upon the prevailing situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. The RCVS will monitor the impact of this through EMS completion data provided by UK veterinary schools.
Regarding final exams and assessment, the College says it may be necessary for UK veterinary schools to consider alternative methods to assess students in certain areas, but that UK veterinary schools should continue to ensure that any alternative assessment methods continue to be robust, valid and reliable, and ensure students have met the RCVS Day One Competences.
Peter Harlech Jones has been elected President of the British Veterinary Association for 2012/2013. The ceremony took place during the Annual General Meeting of the BVA at the close of its Annual Congress, held in the Merseyside Maritime Museum in Liverpool.
Mr Jones, an international consultant on veterinary medicines, was born and raised in North Wales where he attended the Sir Huw Owen School in Caernarfon. He qualified from the University of Liverpool Veterinary School in 1971. After several years in practice in Wales and London - plus a spell in Ontario, Canada - Peter joined the pharmaceutical industry and spent 20 years in the animal health business both in the UK and overseas working in the fields of research and development and also regulatory affairs.
In 1995 he was appointed the first head of the Veterinary Division at the newly created European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA) in London, playing a leading role in the creation of the new European regulatory system and working at the centre of European institutions. His last post before semi-retirement in 2008 was as head of the global animal health industry association, the International Federation of Animal Health (IFAH).
Within the BVA Peter has served on the Veterinary Policy Group and as chair of the Medicines Group and is a former secretary and chairman of the Association of Veterinarians in Industry (AVI). He participates in the work of the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and acts as a consultant to GALVmed whose aim is to make livestock vaccines, diagnostics and medicines accessible to those in developing countries for whom livestock is a lifeline.
Mr Jones said: "My background is in pharma research and international regulatory affairs and I am confident that my experience will be useful as we anticipate the new EU Animal Health Law and medicines legislation. But I am driven to do much more for the veterinary profession than just in those fields.
"The word 'value' really began to resonate for me when I started thinking of my theme for the year ahead as President of BVA.
"In whatever role we play vets are adding value in so many areas of our professional lives to society at large in a huge and significant contribution to the public good. I firmly believe that we, as an association and as a profession, must use every opportunity to reinforce the message about the value we give in all aspects of our work, and to believe in ourselves.
"I want to see a greater appreciation for what we do and what we contribute, and BVA will lead from the front.
"Looking ahead it will be a busy year for all of us. But I am confident that we have the teams in place - through our committees and council, our regional representatives, our divisions and beyond - to do our wonderful profession proud.
"I am certainly very proud to be standing here today and I am committed to working hard for all our members as their President."
The BVA Officer Team for 2012/13 is Peter Harlech Jones (President), Carl Padgett (Past President), and Robin Hargreaves (President Elect)
CEVA Animal Health has published a trial which, according to the company, shows that horses suffering lameness caused by bone spavin can show marked improvement following treatment with a Tiludronate infusion, in combination with controlled exercise.
Bone spavin is a chronic aseptic osteoarthritis of the distal tarsal joints which, says CEVA, is considered to be one of the most common forms of hindlimb lameness in the horse.
The double-blind, multicentric, placebo-controlled trials were carried out on a total of 108 pleasure horses, show jumpers and eventers of a variety of sizes and breeds, all of which had been clinically diagnosed with bone spavin. The horses were rigorously selected, having to show clinical signs of spontaneous lameness of at least six weeks but less than a year's duration and had to be in daily exercise. Horses suffering proximal suspensory desmitis were excluded.
Horses were defined as suffering from bone spavin if they displayed a chronic hindlimb lameness which improved with distal tarsal joint analgesia and showed radiographic evidence of bony changes associated with bone spavin in the distal tarsal joints. The horses were treated at day zero with a single Tiludronate infusion or a placebo and reassessed 60 days later after a period of controlled exercise.
Eighty seven horses completed the trials, comprising 42 Tiludronate treated horses and 45 placebo cases. By day 60 approximately 60% of the Tiludronate treated horses had improved in lameness by two grades or more, scored on a ten point system.
Horses with bone spavin experience abnormal bone remodeling changes, occasionally with excessive bone resorption in the tarsal bones. Tiludronate works by regulating this bone remodeling through a decrease in the resorptive process, slowing down the degradation of the bone structure when the condition is progressing and alleviating the pain associated with abnormal bone lysis.
CEVA has recently produced a leaflet specifically to help horse owners to understand the diagnosis and treatment of bone spavin. For copies of this leaflet and CEVA's comprehensive veterinary brochure on the product please contact CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510 or visit the website at http://www.tildren.com/
Tiludronate infusion in the treatment of bone spavin: A double blind placebo-controlled trial
Reference M. R. GOUGH*, D. THIBAUD† and R. K. W. SMITH‡ (*CEVA Animal Health, Bucks, UK; †CEVA Animal Health USA, Kansas, USA; and ‡Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, UK). Equine vet. J. (2010) 42 (5) 381-387 doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00120.x
Swindon-based Eastcott Veterinary Referrals is looking for a new resident to join its dentistry team.
Eastcott’s dentistry department is led by Andrew Perry, an EBVS European Veterinary Specialist in Dentistry. He's supported by Peter Southerden, AVDC Founding Fellow in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery – one of only 14 founding fellows in the world and the only one practicing in Europe.
The residency programme will offer an in-depth knowledge in veterinary dentistry through a mix of clinical and non-clinical work.
It will also provide an opportunity to work alongside world class surgeons responsible for some of the most advanced dental surgical procedures of today.
The clinical aspect of the role will require the candidate to manage cases and perform all forms of dental and oral surgical procedures and client communication, with guidance from senior staff.
The role will also involve preparation of scientific articles for publication and will help develop the candidate's teaching and presenting skills and externships in diagnostic imaging, surgery and anaesthesia.
Andrew said: “The team at Eastcott are proud to be a part of developing future specialists in a discipline that is growing rapidly and has such an impact on patient welfare.
“Our multidisciplinary approach to management of dental, oral and maxillofacial pathologies means that the successful candidate will have the benefit of exposure to a very diverse, and at times cutting edge, caseload.
“The residency programme is well-established at Eastcott. The dentistry, oral and maxillofacial team, the hospital directors and the Linnaeus central support team are committed to individual development and growth and work hard to provide an environment and support to allow our residents to flourish.”
For more information on this role, visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk or email andrew.perry@eastcottvets.co.uk before July 31.
The Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Farming and Food, Rebecca Evans, has officially opened the new Wales Veterinary Science Centre.
The centre, which is located on the site of the former Animal and Plant Health Agency's (APHA) Veterinary Investigation Centre, has been established by Iechyd Da, a consortium of independent veterinary practices based in Wales together with Welsh Lamb and Beef Producers Ltd, and Aberystwyth University.
Iechyd Da was recently appointed by APHA as a third party provider to deliver expert post-mortem examinations of new and re-emerging diseases of farm animals. The service has been operational since April 2015.
Deputy Minister Rebecca Evans AM said: "I am pleased to officially open the Wales Veterinary Science Centre, which will significantly strengthen and enhance the important contribution the veterinary profession makes to rural life in Wales and raises standards of animal health and welfare. It will also bolster the rural economy by securing technical jobs for the area, benefit the wider economy by supporting our farming communities, and be an asset to the UK by contributing valuable data to the surveillance network."
Professor Christianne Glossop, Chief Veterinary Officer for Wales said: "The Centre will have a significant role in the protection of animals in Wales and will provide an important contribution to a successful and resilient farming industry, reflecting the essential role of the veterinary profession in Wales."
Phil Thomas, Director of Iechyd Da said: "Iechyd Da now looks forward to building on the post-mortem provision already available so that we can provide a range of services, from running training courses for animal keepers to dissection classes for students, continuous professional development for practicing vets, and supporting disease eradication schemes. The vision is of a One Health institute that recognises the interlocking, overlapping relationships between people, livestock, the wildlife and the environment around us."
Richard Irvine, Head of Scanning Surveillance and the Surveillance Intelligence Unit at the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) said: "I look forward to APHA working in close partnership with the Wales Veterinary Science Centre to provide expert diagnostic support and surveillance intelligence for veterinary practices and farmers in Wales. Only by working together can we create an effective disease surveillance network, and I urge farmers and vets in Wales to make use of the considerable expertise that exists within the Wales Veterinary Science Centre and APHA."
The RCVS is seeking candidates to run for election to the RCVS and VN Councils.
There are six seats on the RCVS Council and two on the VN Council due to be filled in the 2010 election. Candidate nominations must be received by 31 January 2010; voting papers will then be distributed to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote, the election held in March and the results announced early in May. Those elected will take their seats at RCVS Day in July to serve four-year terms.
Jane Hern, RCVS Registrar said: "Like us or loathe us, what the RCVS does impacts directly on the lives of veterinary surgeons and nurses, their clients and patients. Getting regulation right is something that all Members and Listed/Registered VNs have power to influence.
"We know from the reaction we get when we propose changes or ask for your comments that vets and VNs are not backwards about coming forwards," Jane continued. "There has been a substantial rise in the number of vets voting, since a low point in voter turnout was reached in 2002. So, if you know someone you think is up to the job, why not persuade them to stand?"
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, 'manifesto' and photograph for inclusion in the elections booklets. Nobody can nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may nominate anyone.
Newly elected RCVS Council members should expect to sit on at least one committee which, together with Council attendances, means a time commitment of at least six to eight days a year. Those elected to the VN Council should expect to spend approximately six to eight days attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees. Both RCVS Council and VN Council members are permitted to claim certain expenditures arising from Council-related duties and their employers can also claim a standard day-rate for loss of earnings.
Nomination forms and full details relating to RCVS Council nominations can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil10 or obtained by contacting the Executive Office (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk). Nomination forms and details relating to the VN Council will be online shortly at www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil10 and can also be requested from Annette Amato (020 7202 0788 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
All nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2010.
Intervet/Schering-Plough has launched Vectin chewable tablets, an ivermectin wormer for horses which is administered as a treat straight from the hand rather than in the traditional paste or granule formulation.
According to the company, syringe handling, horse acceptance and the tendency to spit out some or all of the paste are common problems reported by owners when worming their horses, and more than 55% admit that these issues can result in a mixture of emotions, including frustration, anxiety and upset.
Field studies with Vectin showed more than 70% spontaneous acceptance by horses and the simple calculation of one tablet for every 110kg of a horse or foal's bodyweight helps to reduce wastage as unused tablets can be stored away for future use.
Pharmacokinetics studies have demonstrated improved bioavailability (AUC) and maximal concentration (Cmax) when compared with an equivalent competitor ivermectin paste formulation. Trials have also shown that a more consistent blood concentration of ivermectin when given as a chew which could potentially limit the chance of inducing resistance.
Intervet/Schering Plough says that used as part of a strategic worming plan, Vectin chewable tablets control potentially a wide range of endoparasites including small and large strongyles, stomach worms, cutaneous worms and stomach bots.
Vectin chewable tablets are available as a seven-tablet blister pack, perfect for treating a horse or a couple of ponies. For yards, a tub of 60 tablets is available, containing enough to dispense product for worming approximately 12 horses.
Vectin chewable tablets are recommended for use alongside Pyratape P and Panacur in Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's Active3 worming plan, a strategic three-year approach to rotating wormers in order to minimize the risk of resistance developing. Visit http://www.intervet.co.uk/ for a copy of the three-year plan.
There are two main streams – veterinary and nursing – alongside which there will be a number of workshops on dentistry, ophthalmology, electrosurgery and wound management
Speakers will include: Alasdair Hotston Moore, Matthew Oxford, David Williams, Sarah Heath and Molly Varga.
New for this year, there will be a separate two-day SPVS Leadership & Management programme (at extra charge) and interactive mental health sessions run by Vets in Mind.
There will also be sessions run by SCAS/Our Special Friends on 'the bond-centred practice'.
There's a commercial exhibition, a happy hour on day one, a hot buffet lunch, and tea, coffee and biscuits throughout both days.
For overnight accommodation, the organisers have secured a preferential rate (£125) at the on-site hotel – the Courtyard by Marriott – that includes breakfast and parking.
To book, use this link: https://www.marriott.com/event-reservations/reservation-link.mi?id=1709042444468&key=GRP&app=resvlink. There are lots of other options nearby.
Book directly at https://form.jotform.com/240863511432349.
To be invoiced rather than pay now, apply INVOICEME at checkout.
www.vetcpdcongress.co.uk.
There are 10 candidates standing this year and vets can vote for up to three of them until 5pm on Friday 21st April 2023:
The biographies and statements for each candidate are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/vetvote23 where each candidate has also answered two questions of their choice submitted by members of the profession.
The three candidates who receive the most votes will take up their four-year terms on RCVS Council at the RCVS Annual General Meeting on Friday 7th July 2023.
Any veterinary surgeons who have not received their voting email should contact CES directly on support@cesvotes.com stating which election they intend to vote in.
Common ‘Pet Dangers’ include:
The poster also reinforces the importance of S.P.E.E.D when dealing with poisoned pets:
To get your free poster, visit https://www.tvm-uk.com/pet-dangers-order-free-display-materials-for-your-practice/ or email help@tvm-uk.com.
Ki-67 is a proliferation marker used for assessing tumour aggressiveness, however the traditional method of assessing Ki-67 scores involves manually counting the proliferating cells, which is subjective, time-consuming and prone to variability.
Finn says its new AI-assisted Ki-67 scoring test represents a significant advancement in veterinary diagnostic oncopathology.
The AI algorithm analyses Ki-67 labelling across the entire section of tumour.
Positively labelled cells are highlighted, scores are calculated, and the results are validated by a pathologist before reporting.
This more automated analysis enables the evaluation of large volumes of histological data, ensuring consistent and reliable prognostic assessments.
Finn says it also removes the subjectivity and variability associated with identifying areas of highest cell proliferation, which is a crucial aspect of tumour scoring.
https://www.finnpathologists.com
Ceva Animal Health has highlighted a new meta-analysis1 which, according to the company, reveals that there is a significant (P< 0.001) association between the use of pharmacotherapy (fluoxetine and clomipramine) or pheromonatherapy (Feliway) and reduction or elimination of feline urine marking.
Ceva says this is the first time a meta-analysis technique has been used to evaluate the efficacy of interventions in veterinary behavioural medicine; the study assessed all published papers covering treatments for feline urine spraying. Ten studies in nine publications were analysed, despite their different study designs. In order to carry out the meta-analysis, the papers were rated according to importance and a 'placebo-effect' was calculated. Primary and secondary outcomes were also identified, with the primary outcome being the 'number of cats that either ceased or reduced spraying by at least 90%' and the secondary outcome being 'the number of cats that reduce spraying from baseline levels'.
Information is available by calling Lucy Brett at CEVA Animal Health on 01494 781510.
1. A meta-analysis of studies of treatments for feline urine spraying. Daniel S Mills, Sarah E Redgate, Gary M Landsberg. PLos ONE, April 2011, Volume 6, Issue 4
RCVS Council member Professor the Lord Trees has today submitted a Private Members’ Bill to the ballot of the House of Lords which would legally protect the title ‘Veterinary Nurse’.
If the Bill is drawn sufficiently highly in the ballot, it will be debated in the Lords and the Commons. If approved by both Houses, it'll become law.
As it is drawn up, the Bill would prohibit use of the title ‘Veterinary Nurse’ for any person whose name is not on the RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses. Any non-registered person who used the title Veterinary Nurse or a name, title or description that implied they were on the Register would be guilty of an offence and may be fined or convicted under the Veterinary Surgeons Act.
Lord Trees said: “It is very exciting, and a privilege, to be entering a Private Members’ Bill to protect the title veterinary nurse into the ballot for Private Members’ Bills in Parliament. If we are drawn high enough in the ballot and if we can get Parliamentary time – two important ‘ifs’ – I am confident that the Bill will receive total cross-party support.
“It would mark the final brick in the wall of creating a fully-fledged, recognised and protected veterinary nursing profession. This is what the veterinary nursing profession merits and the public deserve.”
The House of Lords ballot will be drawn before the summer recess. In the meantime, the RCVS is encouraging registered veterinary nurses to back its campaign to protect the title and raise awareness of the issue with their clients.
Further details about the campaign, including a short animated film, can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/vntitle
Biobest is highlighting the benefits of using its canine prostate specific arginine esterase (CPSE) test to differentiate between those dogs which have benign prostatic hyperplasia and those suffering more serious conditions, such as neoplasia.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a common condition of entire dogs with over 50% of dogs over 5 years of showing histological evidence of BPH.
Paul Burr MRCVS from Biobest said: "While the clinical stages of prostatic disease are not difficult to diagnose, differentiating BPH from other causes of prostatic disease such as prostatic cysts, prostatitis, prostatic abscesses or neoplasia is less simple. Traditionally further investigation would include bacteriology and cytology on a prostatic wash or final needle aspirate, and prostatic ultrasonography."
Although the CPSE test has been available for a couple of years now, Paul says the benefits of the test have not thus far been well-explained: "I think most vets probably think it's just a test for Prostatic Disease, something which is easy enough to diagnose without testing.
"While the test can be used as part of an annual check up to look for pre-clinical BPH in entire male dogs, it's real value is that it is a simple, convenient non-invasive blood test that helps determine whether a dog presenting with signs of prostatic disease is most likely to be suffering from BPH or a more serious condition that requires further investigation."
For more information about the CPSE test, contact Biobest on 0131 440 2628 or email enquiry@biobest.co.uk.
VMA chair, Claire Edmunds said: "The aim of the PR award is to recognise the value that media and public relations can add to the marketing mix.
"The award is given to the entry that has delivered the most innovative and effective PR campaign during the previous year, as judged by a panel of industry professionals. This can be a single ‘one-off’ event or article, or a sustained campaign over a given period."
The winner and two highly commended entries will be announced at the VMA Awards on Friday 17th March 2017, at the London Lancaster Hotel.
The last date for entry submissions is 10th February and the event takes place at 11.30am on Friday 17th March 2017.
For further information visit www.vma.org.uk
The committee meets three times a year, typically in February, May and September, to consider issues relating to the marketing authorisations for veterinary medicines and animal test certificates, and reports of suspected adverse events relating to veterinary medicines.
Meetings are held at offices of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate in Surrey. On occasion the committee holds additional ad-hoc meetings.
Members of the committee are paid £148 for each meeting, plus £76 for preparation time.
Further information about the Veterinary Products Committee can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/veterinary-products-committee, or from the secretary, Sandra Russell s.russell@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk.
To apply, contact Chris Abbott: c.abbott@vmd.defra.gsi.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is Friday 27th October 2017.
‘Sheep Vets - Fit for the Future’ are being presented by well-respected industry leaders, vets and sheep farmers on Tuesday evenings during May, June and July.
Webinar organiser, Dr Fiona Lovatt from Flock Health Limited (pictured right) said: "We are optimistic about the future for the UK sheep industry, but to grasp the opportunities farmers need proactive vets who can demonstrate an added value approach. As vets we must think more holistically about the challenges sheep farmers face and that means optimising our understanding of how flock health issues, soil and grassland management, and environmental factors all link together with the economics.
"This webinar programme aims to help keen sheep vets consider how they can best engage with their sheep farmer clients."
The first webinar in the series was attended by more than 100 delegates, and is now available as a recording. It highlighted the current state of the UK sheep industry and what the future 10 years might look like.
Future topics include how to improve engagement with sheep farmers (26th May), how vets can best ensure successful lamb growth (9th June), understanding sheep farming economics (23rd June) and exploring the veterinary possibilities arising from different sources of flock data (7th July). Watch live at 7.30pm or catch up later with the recording.
Register for free by visiting www.sheepvetsoc.org.uk or www.flockhealth.co.uk
To celebrate the launch of its brand new keep reproduction simple advertisement campaign, CEVA Animal Health is giving British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA) Congress delegates the chance to win an iPod by entering a special spot the sperm competition.
BCVA Congress runs from 26-28 November 2009 in Southport. Delegates just need to spot five sperm lurking in the banner-sized cartoon for CEVA's GnRH product Ovarelin®. The correct answers will be entered into a draw to win an iPod.
The company says its new ad campaign brings together a series of cartoons with a clever play on words to highlight the importance of a simple protocol for success with reproduction. You can follow this irresistibull series in the farm media throughout the autumn.
For further information contact your local CEVA representative or CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG, www.ceva.uk.com
The leaflets are designed to be used as part of the veterinary consultation and provide information to help owners understand what is involved in the examination, including the reasons for the procedure, the preparation required, any associated risks, and what happens during and after the examination.
They are available in a PDF format which can be printed and stamped with the veterinary practice details or emailed to clients.
Philip Lhermette, Principal of Elands Veterinary Clinic, specialist in minimally invasive surgery and Past President of the BSAVA said: “Minimally invasive surgery is becoming commonplace in general veterinary practice and is much sought after by clients, especially for routine procedures such as bitch spays.
"It is important that clients are properly informed of all the risks and benefits of a minimally invasive procedure and these leaflets provide the first opinion practitioner with an ideal means of providing such information in a succinct and easily understood format."
The new leaflets are available via the BSAVA Library here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/cilgroupprocedures.
Access to the entire range of client information leaflets (including canine and feline behaviour, exotic pets, and medicines) is available for an annual subscription of £40.
BSAVA members have access to these leaflets as part of their membership benefits.
If you have any suggestions for further client information leaflets, email: publications@bsava.com.
The event will offer vets and vet nurses six hours of CPD across five streams, covering topics such as initial fracture treatment, stick injury management, post-op orthopaedic patient care, and handling clinical complaints.
Simon Hagley, an Emergency and Critical Care specialist at Vets Now Manchester, has helped develop the program and will run a session on acute kidney injury.
He said: "We have one of the largest emergency caseloads in the country, therefore we’re well placed to share best practice with the profession to enable vets and vet nurses to feel confident when dealing with emergency cases. "
There will be 23 lectures over the course of the day, across five streams: CPR, Vet Stream, Vet Nurses Stream, Client and Colleague Communication, and Pathology.
The sessions will be delivered by experienced Vets Now clinicians, dedicated nurses, communication experts, and VPG experts.
Later in the year, the Vets Now 24/7 hospital in Glasgow will be offering free evening CPD events at the Hilton Doubletree, Westerwood, all focussing on ECC.
The first of these events, on 05 September 2024 will see Lead OOH Veterinary Surgeon John Sheppard from Vets Now, Glasgow run an out-of-hours session on ‘What happens after dark, shouldn’t leave you in the dark’.
The Manchester event is priced at £80+VAT per person, which includes refreshments, lunch, and on-site parking.
https://www.vets-now.com/professionals/vet-cpd-events-courses.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched a range of materials to assist veterinary practices in educating and supporting their clients with hyperthyroid cats.
Available as part of the support package are a range of notice board displays, educational booklets, an owner website (http://www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk/) and promotional items. The company also offers on-site CPD training for vets and veterinary nurses, which can take place at a time convenient to the practice and which counts for one hour of CPD.
Greg Williams, Veterinary Technical Services Manager at Dechra said "Our experience of the diagnosis and ongoing treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism has shown that it is a daunting and worrying time for owners. It is important that we fully educate and support these clients to achieve the highest possible level of care for the patient and ease owners' concerns."
For more information concerning on-site CPD or to order the client support materials, contact your local territory manager or telephone Dechra Veterinary Products on 01743 441632.
The company's Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) programme in Dentistry and Oral Surgery - delivered and awarded in partnership with Harper Adams University (HAU) and the International School of Veterinary Studies (ISVPS) - has been added to the list of qualifications conferring eligibility for applications for the AP Status in Small Animal Dentistry.
In addition, Improve's Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) in Advanced Veterinary Practice Sciences, achieved by obtaining the PgC in Small Animal Surgery, plus the ISVPS General Practitioner Advanced Certificate (GPAdvCert) in Small Animal Orthopaedic Surgery (together with two further modules with HAU), has also been recognised as an eligible entry qualification for application for the RCVS’ AP status in Small Animal Orthopaedics.
The GPAdvCert programme in Orthopaedic Surgery is due to start in September 2020 with the PgC programme in Dentistry and Oral Surgery commencing in January 2021.
Improve says that depending on the situation with coronavirus at the time, it will provide appropriate personal protective equipment for attending delegates and arrange for live sessions to be streamed online if physical attendance is not possible. Practical sessions will be rescheduled for the earliest possible date and the company has also revised its terms and conditions to provide maximum flexibility to delegates in case their circumstances change.
Photo: David Babington, Business Development Director, Improve International
CEVA Animal Health has now introduced Colibird, the UK's first colistin-based soluble antimicrobial approved for poultry.
According to the company, colistin is an important active in the UK's antimicrobial armoury, with a potent bactericidal action against Gram-negative bacteria, including enterobacteria and more particularly E. coli. Colibird is only one of a handful of products approved for layers that has a zero egg withhold. It also has almost zero levels of resistance, even with bugs variously resistant to other antimicrobials and is easily and efficiently administered in drinking water via header tanks or dosing pumps.
For further information please contact the large animal sales team or CEVA Animal Health Ltd, 90 The Broadway, Chesham, Bucks, HP5 1EG.
Life Technologies Animal Health has announced the launch of a new qPCR test to improve the diagnosis of mastitis and respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma bovis.
According to the company, the TaqVet Mycoplasma Bovis (M. bovis) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) kit is based on a new target gene in the M. bovis genome and thus can distinguish better between infections caused by M. bovis and M. agalactiae - so there is less risk of false positive results and improved sensitivity and specificity.
The test is based on real-time PCR technology, and delivers results in two and a half hours.
Eric Sellal, Head of Animal Health EMEA at Life Technologies said: "The improved sensitivity of this new test means that veterinarians will be able to monitor dairy herds for sub-clinical infection using samples from the bulk tank. And of course it can also be used to diagnose mycoplasma infection in individual cases of clinical mastitis and respiratory disease."
Life Technologies says the test system incorporates a number of other improvements which simplify and speed up processing in the laboratory, including automatic extraction using magnetic bead technology.
It is estimated that bovine pneumonia costs the European industry around 500million Euros each year, with 30% accounted for by M. bovis. Other diseases associated with the organism include mastitis and arthritis.
Mycoplasma is slow and difficult to culture in the laboratory and current antibiotic treatment is not very cost-effective. Therefore, prevention is a cornerstone of M. bovis management.
The TaqVet Mycoplasma Bovis PCR kit will be made available in other EU countries and via Life Technologies Animal Health distributors according to local regulatory requirements (see www.lifetechnologies.com/lsi-animal-health) for details.
According to reports in the Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail yesterday, there's a new craze on the Internet called dog shaming, where owners post a photograph of a guilty-looking pet online, together with a witty caption.
A quick Google search reveals a number of websites dedicated to the practice, including: www.dogshaming.com, www.dog-shame.com, petshaming.net and shameyourpet.com.
However, according to research carried out by Bayer to promote Drontal, 40% of owners mistake the behavioural signs displayed in some of the photographs for guilt or shame, when in reality the dog is showing signs of fear.
Predictably, a number of organisations have condemned dog shaming. Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club said: "The idea of shaming a dog is daft. Dogs don't like having the mickey taken out of them and can undoubtedly plug into that. So why would you do that to your pet? You wouldn't mock your family or your friends like this, so why your dog?."
Veterinary surgeon and TV presenter Paul Manktelow had a more balanced take on it all. He said: "It is a positive thing that owners love their dogs enough to make light of bad behaviour at times, and can look back and laugh at their mischievous antics. However, it is important to note that dogs may in fact be expressing apprehension and fear, and not have been misbehaving in the first instance, just doing what comes naturally. People should also recognise the subtle behaviourial signs that indicate stress or an underlying health issue."