The RCVS has announced that nominations are now open for the RCVS Elections and launched a new video which explains why you should consider putting your name forward.
Six seats are available on RCVS Council, each for a four-year tenure. Existing RCVS Council Members David Catlow, Jacqui Molyneux, Bob Partridge, Christine Shield, Neil Smith and Clare Tapsfield-Wright are due to retire from Council next year, but are all eligible for re-election.
Last year, for the first time in over a decade, no women candidates stood for election, and the College says it is determined to widen participation in Council amongst the whole profession.
To help veterinary surgeons learn more about what's involved in being a Council Member, the benefits it can bring and the amount of time it requires, the College has produced a short video featuring the experiences of some existing members of Council and their reasons for standing.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar, said: "We have chosen the theme 'People like you' for these videos because people on the Councils really are no different to their colleagues across all aspects of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions. The thoughts and experiences they describe on camera will sound very familiar to many of their colleagues and peers! We need people of all ages and of varying experiences and professional backgrounds to ensure there is a healthy and diverse range of views available."
The College will also be hosting a special 'Meet the RCVS' day on Tuesday, 10 December for anyone considering standing for election but wanting to find out more first. Further information and bookings are available from Fiona Harcourt, Communications Officer (020 7202 0773 / f.harcourt@rcvs.org.uk).
Nominations are open until 5pm on Friday, 31 January 2014, allowing plenty of time to find out more about what's involved and to find two proposers.
Details about how to stand in the elections are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil14.
Dr Sarah Caney, RCVS specialist in feline medicine has launched http://www.catprofessional.com/, a new website for vets and nurses that want to become more feline friendly, and those in the animal health industry who want to be cleverer in their approach to cats.
The new site, which has been developed by Dr Caney’s own company Cat Professional Ltd, offers articles for vets and owners on various aspects of cat care, as well as detailing upcoming events and publications.
In addition, companies can access a range of consultancy services, including assistance with clinical trials and product design.
There is a facility to book training sessions and lecture slots at home and abroad with Dr Caney, who is a renowned speaker, able to combine her expertise in feline medicine with a gift for communicating difficult concepts in a way that makes learning an enjoyable experience.
Dr Caney’s latest book, ‘Caring for a Cat with Kidney Failure’ is available as an environmentally friendly download or to purchase as a hard copy from the site. Aimed at vets and cat owners, the book includes step-by-step instructions on how to give medication and better cater for a cat’s needs, providing another tool that will help owner compliance and therefore quality of life in renal failure cats.
For vets, nurses and other cat professionals, perhaps the biggest bonus is that the site provides a direct line of communication to Dr Caney and access to her vast knowledge of all things feline: from effective handling techniques to the best therapeutic protocols.
Just a reminder of research projects by our members that are ongoing. Full details can be found in the wiki on the group homepage:
Diabetes Treatment Survey for vets, nurses and owners
Primary Investigator Contact Info:
Stijn Niessen
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences,
Royal Veterinary College,
University of London, UK
sniessen@rvc.ac.uk
Genetic Basis of Endocrine Disease in Dogs
Further details can be obtained from:
Brian Catchpole BVetMed PhD MRCVS
Senior Lecturer in Veterinary Immunology
Dept. of Pathology & Infectious Diseases
Royal Veterinary College
Hawkshead Lane,
N. Mymms
Herts AL9 7TA
Tel: +44 (0)1707 666388
Fax: +44 (0)1707 666483
Email: bcatchpole@rvc.ac.uk
Congenital PSS in Birman Cats - DNA Project
Angie Hibbert BVSc CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
Feline Centre
University of Bristol
Langford
Exocrine Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) Treatment Study
Aran Mas DVM MRCVS
P-J.M.Noble BSc BVM&S PhD MRCVS,
A.J.German BVSc PhD CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
If you have a suitable case and would like to discuss enrolment on the trial, please do not hesitate to contact us (telephone 0151 795 6100, vetinmed@liv.ac.uk)
Efficacy of masitinib in dogs with steroid-resistant inflammatory bowel disease
cic@rvc.ac.uk
Fabio Procoli
Efficacy of Protexin Pro-Kolin Enterogenic in conjunction with ronidazole in the treatment of T.foetus in cats with diarrhoea
Tel. 0131 650 7650
Email. slalor@staffmail.ed.ac.uk
The International Elbow Working Group has announced a pre-congress meeting at WSAVA in August. The meeting is sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition and is being held on Wednesday 20th August at University College Dublin.The meeting offers the opportunity to hear some of the most influential researchers in the field.The speakers include Professors Hazewinkel and Hedhammar who were responsible for the seminal work that identified that high calcium high energy diets could increase the propensity to developmental bone disease. Professor Hedhammar will be delivering a presentation on the genetics of elbow dysplasia and the implications for breeding programmes, while Professor Hazewinkel will be discussing diagnosis. Representing the UK, Dr Noel Fitzpatrick will discuss the decision making algorithm for conservative and surgical treatment of elbow dysplasia, incorporating the latest thinking on how to manage the disease. Other topics being presented on the day will be imaging techniques by Professor Van Bree and grading of osteoarthritic lesions by Dr. Tellhelm.The group has invited practitioners and researchers to submit posters and free communications on the topic of elbow dysplasia for presentation up until 20th July. The congress fee is 80 euros which includes lunch and refreshments. Further details and a registration form can be downloaded at www.iewg-vet.org.
Hill’s Pet Nutrition has launched Prescription Diet Feline c/d Multicare, formulated to manage both struvite and oxalate urinary stones. It's appropriate for cats with feline idiopathic cystitis, which accounts for an estimated 64% of all FLUTD cases. The new diet replaces x/d, which will be discontinued.
According to Hill's, a significant benefit is that c/d contains no excess salt and therefore presents no risk to cats that have hidden kidney disease. Libby Sheridan, Veterinary Affairs Manager, said: “It’s something that is always at the back of our minds when cats have shown signs of urinary tract problems: has there been damage to the kidneys that I can’t yet detect? We need to be cautious when it comes to managing urinary disease in cats. Limiting salt with careful diet formulation and therefore avoiding potentially worsening compromised kidneys is important in long term management.”
Feline c/d Multicare contains controlled levels of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and oxalate to reduce the constituents of crystals and calculi, added citrate to reduce stone formation and enhanced levels of B6 specifically to decrease the risk of oxalate formation. Increases in omega-3 fatty acids help ensure that the inflammatory response is ameliorated, which is particularly important in the management of feline idiopathic cystitis.
Hills continue to recommend s/d for dissolution of struvite calculi and k/d in cases of feline urate calculi. Feline urinary disease is, of course, a condition that requires long term intervention to guard against recurrence and c/d Multicare is available in a variety of flavours and formats, including tender chunks in gravy pouches, 156 g tins and dry in chicken and ocean fish varieties, ensuring there is a enough choice to satisfy the most discerning of cats.
For more information call Hill’s Customer Service on 0800 282 438 or (ROI) 1-800 626002.
Two equine journals have joined forces to create a free online collection of their recent articles on endocrinology to raise awareness of these common disorders and to provide veterinary surgeons with what they say is a definitive source of references all in one place.
The collection of references published by Equine Veterinary Education (EVE) and Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) covers a range of topics within the field of endocrinology and includes authoritative review articles on insulin dysregulation2, glucocorticoids and laminitis3 and paraneoplastic syndromes4.
The initiative has been made possible with the support of British Equine Veterinary Association Trust and has been compiled by leading international authorities on equine endocrinology, Professor Philip Johnson, of University of Missouri and Professor Nicholas Frank of Tufts University, Boston and the University of Nottingham.
They say that equine endocrine disorders, such as Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), are becoming more promptly identified and treated, thanks to ongoing research and advances in diagnosis, pharmacokinetics and management protocols.
PPID, or Cushing's, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that is more easily recognised in its advanced form in older horses. Surveys show a PPID prevalence rate of up to 22% in horses over the age of 155, with the odds of developing clinical signs associated with PPID increasing by approximately 20% per year after this age.
Insulin dysregulation (ID), characterised by increased insulin response to oral sugars, hyperinsulinaemia and insulin resistance, is identified in both PPID and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS)2. Both PPID and EMS have been linked to the development of recurrent laminitis with subsequent high risk of mortality6. The exact mechanisms which link insulin to laminitis remain to be clarified1 but this online collection highlights several studies, which partially address this important jigsaw7-12.
Best practice for the management of EMS is outlined by Professors Nick Frank and Ray Geor in the December issue of EVE13. The first goal is to induce weight loss, and guidelines for designing diets for obese equids are provided. Exercise and dietary management14 have been shown to reduce the clinical signs and indices of inflammation in equine metabolic syndrome13 - 15, however, further studies are needed to quantify the efficacy of these management changes on long-term outcomes.
The online collection also includes several studies addressing the diagnosis of PPID. The value of plasma adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH), when interpreted with seasonally adjusted reference ranges, is discussed by several authors18-20. Professors Frank and Geor advocate it as the most readily accessible test for monitoring PPID cases in a field setting, although they maintain that the thyrotropin- releasing hormone (TRH) stimulation test is more sensitive and therefore has advantages when diagnosing PPID in its early stages13.
Pergolide has emerged as the drug of first choice for treatment of PPID13. While many vets recommend the early introduction of medication in the hope that it may avert the specter of laminitis, at present, there are no trials comparing pergolide with alternatives. Furthermore, there have been no long-term studies to show that horses treated with pergolide before the onset of clinical signs of PPID have better outcomes, including a reduced incidence of developing laminitis, than horses in which treatment is delayed until clinical signs become apparent.
Professor Celia Marr, Editor of Equine Veterinary Journal said: "Better control of PPID and insulin dysregulation should lower the risk of laminitis to help improve the health and longevity of many predisposed horses and ponies.
"Raising awareness of the benefits of early diagnosis and sharing the latest research on these and other associated conditions are imperative to provide horse owners with the best diagnostic and treatment programmes for their horses. However, it is easy to under-estimate obesity: horse owners need to think about improving management of their horses' feeding and exercise in order to avert problems before they become a veterinary issue."
References
Research published online in the Veterinary Record has revealed that one in four dogs competing in Crufts is overweight, despite the perception that entrants are supposed to represent ideal specimens of their breed1.
The researchers based their findings on 1120 online images of dogs from 28 breeds —- half of which are prone to obesity — that had appeared at Crufts, the largest dog show of its kind in the world.
Only adult dogs that had been placed between first and fifth in their class between 2001 and 2013 were included in the study.
The images were coded and anonymised, and 960 were deemed suitable for assessment. A second person then graded the body condition of each dog in one sitting, using a previously validated method. One in four (252; 26%) was found to be overweight.
Pugs, basset hounds, and Labrador retrievers were the breeds most likely to be assessed as being overweight. Dogs were overweight in 80% of the pug images, 68% of the Basset Hound and 63% of the Labrador images.
The researchers said that the three breeds with the highest prevalence of being overweight among the online images are prone to excess weight. Nevertheless, since pugs were originally bred to be a companion dog, while hounds and Labradors were bred for hunting and fieldwork respectively, being overweight would not be advantageous.
Standard poodles, border terriers, Rhodesian ridgebacks, Hungarian vizlas and Dobermanns were the least likely breeds to be overweight.
The prevalence of being overweight among the show dogs was less than that reported generally for pet dogs in the UK. Nevertheless, the researchers say the fact that a quarter were above ideal weight is still a cause for concern: “These dogs showcase the ideal characteristics of the pedigree breed, and there is a danger that widespread media exposure might adversely influence owner perception of optimal body shape.”
The Kennel Club has recently introduced changes in policy for judging criteria, to emphasise characteristics that promote good health in dogs. However, the researchers say that breed standards of optimal condition should be reinforced for competition, to ensure consistency: “Further effort is now required to educate owners, breeders and show judges so that they can all better recognise overweight condition, thus helping to prevent the development of obesity.”
Reference
Best in show but not best in shape: a photographic assessment of show dog body condition doi 10.1136/vr.103093
Pete Wedderburn MRCVS is reporting on the latest veterinary developments in the USA, with a daily blog from the Western Veterinary Conference in Las Vegas.
You can read / subscribe to Pete's engaging blog here.
The materials include pet owner guides, reception posters and slides to display on waiting room TV.
They complement the Krka veterinary professional guide on responsible risk-based parasiticide use for cats and dogs that was developed in conjunction with Ian Wright BVMS MSc MRCVS and launched last year.
Renzo Di Florio, Krka’s Technical Veterinary Adviser said: “In first opinion veterinary practice, where the majority of consultations last 15 minutes or less, time is short and in-depth discussions are not always possible.
"The guides provide comprehensive information on common parasites, practical advice on prevention and treatment and information on risk assessment.
"And by aligning with ESCCAP guidelines, the guides help address the delicate balance between animal health, human health and environmental protection – a true One Health issue.”
https://www.krka.co.uk/veterinary-knowledge-hub/articles/risk-based-parasiticide-use-for-cats-and-dogs
Early bird registration deadline is 3 March for the SAMSoc pre-BSAVA meet. Please register soon!
Visit www.samsoc.org for details.
Entries for our case report competition are invited before Friday 1 March 2019.
The company says farmers should be vaccinating their flocks to help protect the cohort of ewes that missed last year’s vaccination.
Flock replacements should also be vaccinated this summer ahead of tupping.
Shearlings (one year plus) and older can be vaccinated with Cevac Chlamydia within four months before tupping and no later than four weeks before the rams go in, while ewe lambs can be vaccinated from five months of age.
The vaccine should not be used in pregnant ewes.
Fiona Lovatt BVSc PhD FHEA DSHP DipECSRHM FRCVS from Flock Health Ltd said: “It is really good news to hear that there will be good availability of EAE vaccine this year.
"The lambing season started off with some disappointing news for some farmers who were not able to vaccinate last year as they faced EAE abortions.
"We are emphasising to these farmers and others that it is essential that the youngest two years of the ewes are vaccinated before next tupping to ensure that the cohort that missed last year’s vaccination are fully covered.”
https://ruminants.ceva.co.uk.
The Bella Moss Foundation and the Royal Society of Medicine have announced 'One Health', a conference which will bring together experts from the veterinary and medical sectors to collaborate on infectious disease.
Subjects under discussion will include infection control, antimicrobial resistance and the threats posed by emerging zoonotic diseases. Amongst the speakers will be Professor Peter Borriello, Chief Executive of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and Professor Anthony Kessel, Director of Public Health England. The audience will include policy makers and clinicians together with researchers and academics from both human and veterinary medicine.
Jill Moss, President of the Bella Moss Foundation, said: "With antimicrobial resistance and updated protocols hitting the headlines regularly, our speakers will discuss the key issues. For instance, what exactly is the current status of antimicrobial resistance? How is it affecting our lives? What are the veterinary, medical and research professions doing to resolve the challenges we face - and how can they persuade policy makers to take a united stand on the issue?"
Tom Keith - Welsh president of comparative medicine network, Royal Society of Medicine, said: "Antimicrobial resistance is a global issue requiring education, information and action. The conference programme will provide anyone with an interest in antimicrobial resistance a current and rounded perspective on this important and pressing issue."
For more information, visit: www.onehealthbmf.com.
They include a webinar from In Communication, a company which specialises in veterinary client communications, which covers things like how to broach costs with clients, communicating treatment options succinctly and time-blind shared decision-making.
The Society has also published eight questions which the public may ask about the investigation, with model responses.
The resources also include a summary of the five concerns raised by the CMA, and advice about how to discuss them with practice staff.
Finally, you can download SPVS' presentation to the CMA which talks about the drivers for fee increases.
https://spvs.org.uk/cma-spvs-response
Petplan Charitable Trust PhD Study to Investigate Feline Infectious Peritonitis-Specific Nucleotide Motifs
A three-year study, leading to a PhD, is being funded by the Petplan Charitable Trust and is available to commence on 1st February 2011 in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford at the University of Bristol. The aim of the project is to define nucleotide sequence motifs in feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) associated with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) and to then develop a diagnostic test for the confirmation of FIP. The applicant will gain extensive experience in molecular-based techniques and bioinformatic analysis. Furthermore, the applicant will receive training in the design, conduct and presentation of research. Practical work will be done in the School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford and the School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Bristol. The work will be jointly supervised by Professor Stuart Siddell and Drs Chris Helps and Séverine Tasker, supported by collaborators both within the University of Bristol and in other Universities. Good computer skills are essential, and some experience of molecular research and feline medicine is desirable. The successful applicant will have a high level of literacy and numeracy, good organisation skills and a willingness to learn and develop research skills to a high standard. The successful applicant will also have excellent communication skills and confidence in making contact with cat owners and veterinary surgeons.
Applicants must possess, or expect to obtain, a first class, or good upper second class, degree in a biological related subject, or a degree in a veterinary science, and be able to demonstrate a clear interest in FIP. This project is available to citizens of a number of European countries (including the UK) who have been resident in the UK for a period of 3 years or more.
Informal enquiries about the project are encouraged and can be made to Dr Séverine Tasker (email: s.tasker@bristol.ac.uk).
To apply, please send a CV, cover letter, and the names and addresses of two referees to Alison Foxwell, Head of Department’s Office, School of Veterinary Sciences, Langford House, Langford, North Somerset, BS40 5DU (email: cvs-hod-office@bristol.ac.uk), quoting reference SCH/10/09, by December 15th 2010.
The award categories are:
Nominations are welcome from both BSAVA members and non-members.
Nominations close on 30th October 2024 and the winners will be announced on 16th January 2025.
The BSAVA awards ceremony will take place at the reinvented Congress and Expo 2025, taking place at Manchester Central in March.
https://www.bsava.com/awards.
The modules are 20 minutes long each.
The first: "The Key Components of Successful Anaesthesia", covers the basics of companion animal anaesthesia and analgesia.
The second module: "The Benefits of Zoletil", looks at Zoletil as an anaesthetic and explains the advantages it offers.
Licensed for cats and dogs, Zoletil comprises a coactive balance between Tiletamine & Zolazepam.
Virbac says it is ideal for short and medium duration anaesthesia with multiple administration routes including IV or IM administration, making it a versatile choice of anaesthetic.
https://vet-uk.virbac.com/home/products/dogs/anaesthetics--analgesics/zoletil-100.html
BBC Entertainment is looking for fresh veterinary talent to be part of an exciting new show that it is developing.
If you're passionate about pet health and would jump at the chance to help animals on screen, please call 0161 244 3718 as soon as possible or alternatively email alexis.price@bbc.co.uk
Dear Colleagues,
We are conducting a survey of veterinary surgeons to try and establish some baseline facts about the treatment of canine lymphoma. We would be most grateful if you would complete the following questionnaire.
The questionnaire is short and simple and should take you no more than 10 minutes to complete. Needing no specific case details, it does not require you refer to clinical records. Furthermore it requires no case follow up at all. If you prefer you can save your responses and return to the survey later, though it is very short.
http://www.smart-survey.co.uk/v.asp?i=37382vpylk
Many thanks indeed in anticipation of your help
Yours faithfully
Christopher Saul, BVetMed CertSAM MRCVS, Cranmore Veterinary Services and Chestergates Referral Hospital
The six-floor building, which the College bought for £22.3m in 2022, was originally a warehouse.
Over the years it has been home to a range of businesses from leather manufacturers and papers makers to lithographic plate makers and shoe upping manufacturers, before becoming an office space.
The building remained tenanted until 2024, when £5.8m worth of renovation work to convert the building into a space suitable for a royal college began.
In addition to the working areas for RCVS and RCVS Knowledge staff, the building also has:
RCVS CEO, Lizzie Lockett, said: “After a few years in a rented co-working office space, we’re delighted to have moved into our new home, designed not only to meet the needs of College staff, but to support the broader ambitions of the RCVS as a whole.
“Our new strategic plan has collaboration at its heart – the idea of being stronger through working together – and our new building will help us to achieve that.
“Whether attending events, exploring RCVS Knowledge’s archives, using the members' area and meeting rooms, or benefitting from the outputs that the new space enables, the building has been developed with members and associates as a central focus.”
RCVS President, Linda Belton, added: "It’s great to see what’s been achieved through this project and my thanks go to the team who have managed the refurbishment and move.
“The new premises are equipped to ensure that the voice of the veterinary professions remains integral in assuring animal health, welfare, and public health in the UK, allowing for those all-important stakeholder conversations essential to setting, upholding and advancing veterinary standards.
“We look forward to welcoming members, associates, students and stakeholders alike in the coming months and years.”
Presented by The Webinar Vet and Vet Dynamics, the Vet Trust Awards celebrate notable contributions to veterinary advancement.
Claire Towers, General Manager of Hill’s Pet Nutrition UK and Ireland said: “Our recognition as the most trusted pet food brand is a testament to the unwavering dedication of the Hill’s team, ensuring vets remain integral to our mission.”
The March 2025 Cattle Highlights Report from the Royal GD in the Netherlands has revealed that the proportion of paromomycin-resistant isolates has jumped from 48% in 2021 to 72% in 2024.
The report also highlights an increase in the detection of cryptosporidiosis in calves up to 14 days of age.
MSD says that while it is unclear whether paromomycin is being used to treat E.coli or cryptosporidiosis, the rising use of the antibiotic could be contributing to greater exposure and increased resistance in E.coli K99.
Kat Baxter-Smith MRCVS (pictured), a vet advisor at MSD Animal Health, said: “What we need now is a mindset shift—moving away from routine antibiotic use and towards a more robust, preventative management strategy.
“It’s not about eliminating treatment altogether but using it only when it is really needed.”
“Vaccination, clean pens, and ensuring that every calf receives the right volume and quality of colostrum are the real cornerstones of effective scour control.
“Using vaccines such as Bovilis Rotavec Corona for rotavirus, coronavirus, and E.coli and Bovilis Cryptium for Cryptosporidium parvum is one of the most effective ways to reduce the incidence of neonatal diarrhoea.
"By vaccinating the dam, we ensure the calf has the best possible immunity at birth by ingesting the fortified colostrum and transition milk in the first days of life, which significantly reduces reliance on antibiotics and minimises disease risks.”
The report emphasises best-practice principles such as effective colostrum management, good hygiene and housing, balanced dry cow transition and strategic vaccination of the dam.
The report also recommends halofuginone (Halocur) as the first-line treatment for cryptosporidiosis, due to its targeted action and significantly lower risk of contributing to AMR.
Kat added: "By embracing these proactive strategies, vets and farmers can take a crucial step towards safeguarding calf health, reducing reliance on antibiotics, and combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.”
https://issuu.com/gezondheidsdienstvoordieren/docs/highlights_report_cattle-march_2025
The 2011 AGM meeting minutes have now been uploaded to the media section of the SAMSoc website on vetsurgeon.org
Alex Gough
Fabio Procoli DMV MRCVS, Senior Clinical Training Scholar in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Karin Allenspach Dr.med.vet. PhD DECVIM-CA MRCVS, Senior Lecturer in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Masitinib is a protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor licensed for the use in dogs with mast cell tumours, where it has proven efficacy. There also reports that this drug can decrease inflammation in people with several immune mediated disorders, including IBD.
The Veterinary Clinical Sciences at the Royal Veterinary College is performing a clinical trial to evaluate the clinical efficacy of masitinib as a sole treatment for canine IBD in steroid-refractory cases over a period of 8 weeks.
Further details can be found in the SAMSOC wiki.
Other projects listed
As part of the LUPA initiative ( http://www.eurolupa.org ), the Royal Veterinary College, University of London and the Universities of Manchester and Uppsala are collaborating to investigate the genetic...
Exocrine Pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) Treatment Study Aran Mas DVM MRCVS P-J.M.Noble BSc BVM&S PhD MRCVS, A.J.German BVSc PhD CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MRCVS
We are currently looking at the predisposition of Birman cats to congenital portosystemic shunts. The project is being run by Angie Hibbert and Professor Tim Gruffydd-Jones at the Feline Centre Bristol
Stijn Neissen RVC