Dechra has launched a new administration rate guide developed to help vets and nurses administer the haemoglobin-based, oxygen-carrying fluid Oxyglobin at the correct rate (in ml/kg/hr).
"The handy dosing wheel allows you to line up the weight of the dog with the rate of administration in one window and then the ml/hr and drips per minute will be shown in the window below," explains Carol Morgan, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products. "This rate guide will help vets and nurses to quickly establish the rate they need when giving Oxyglobin to anaemic dogs. It is important, especially during critical care and emergency situations, that these figures are readily available."
According to Dechra, Oxyglobin requires no typing or cross-matching and ensures no transfusion reactions or disease transmissions. Its effectiveness can be measured by a rapid improvement in clinical signs, increased plasma haemoglobin concentration and arterial oxygen content. In addition, it can be stored at room temperature and has a shelf-life of three years. Further details can be obtained from Dechra territory managers or phone for your free Oxyglobin dosing wheel: 01743 441 632.
Vetoquinol UK is offering vets the chance to receive a free pair of either Oster A5 clippers or the new cordless Oster Power Pro Ultra Clippers, worth over £200, free of charge.
Buy £400 worth of Marbocyl P (palatable) tablets, and Marbocyl SA injection to get the Oster A5 clippers, which is equivalent to a 25% discount. Alternatively, to receive the new Oster Power Pro Ultra Clippers, you need to buy £700 of Marbocyl P and Marbocyl SA, equivalent to a discount of 29%.
There is also the option to include Clavaseptin in this offer. Clavaseptin is a highly palatable amoxycillin/clavulanic acid antibiotic licensed for both dogs and cats. Buy £400 worth of Marbocyl, Marbocyl SA AND Clavaseptin and receive the Oster A5 clippers, or spend £700 on these three products and receive the Oster Power Pro Ultra Clippers.
These Oster Clipper offers are valid until 29th August, or while clipper stocks last, and cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion offers.
Research from Bristol University confirms that Angiostrongylus vasorum is spreading in the UK, with 16 per cent of dogs involved in a recent study testing positive for the parasite’s larvae.
The nationwide survey, funded by the RCVS Trust and Novartis Animal Health, was set up to determine the geographical distribution and typical presentation of angiostrongylosis in UK dogs and to elucidate risk factors for infection. The findings are based on examination of 630 faecal samples from dogs (500 sick and 130 healthy) around the country which presented in practice with a wide range of clinical signs for which there was no other obvious diagnosis.
"We received faecal samples from dogs with respiratory and cardiovascular disease, bleeding, neurological and gastrointestinal disorders," explained Eric Morgan, Veterinary Parasitology and Ecology Research Group, University of Bristol School of Biological Sciences. "We also received samples from a smaller number of apparently healthy dogs and examined all of them in the laboratory using the Baermann’s test. The sample was analysed alongside an accompanying questionnaire that recorded history, clinical signs and the vet’s index of suspicion that A. vasorum was the cause of the disease."
More than half (60 per cent) of the dogs that were positive displayed respiratory signs, including coughing. The next most common signs were cardiovascular (including syncope, lethargy and exercise intolerance). The most widespread combination of clinical signs was respiratory and cardiovascular. However, several dogs also presented with haemorrhagic signs and no respiratory involvement, and a wide spectrum of other signs such as diarrhoea, lameness and neurological disease.
Eric said: "Angiostrongylus vasorum is a great imitator and our research proves it can present in a wide variety of ways. Prompt diagnosis is vital but relies heavily on vets being aware of A. vasorum involvement. They should be especially suspicious of dogs that are coughing, lethargic, prone to collapse and presented in practice with unexplained bleeding."
Geographical extent Due to the survey relying on voluntary vet involvement, there was a strong bias in the regions represented, with high numbers of samples coming from South Wales and Surrey. Eric said: "Although these are known hot spots for A. vasorum, there were also positive samples from across southern England demonstrating that the parasite is much more widespread than we previously thought. It’s important that vets outside of the known endemic areas regard this disease as a real threat, to ignore it because you believe dogs outside these areas are not at risk would be a very dangerous assumption indeed. You could already be missing cases."
Risk factors The most significant risk factor was age, with younger dogs more likely to be infected although cases were found in dogs up to 11 years old. “The age profile of positive cases did not vary by region, suggesting that there is no significant build-up of immunity in the dog population,” Eric continues. "Several dogs became re-infected which also suggests that strong immunity does not develop following infection."
More than 40 breeds were represented in the survey with Staffordshire Bull Terriers and Jack Russell Terriers more commonly infected than other breeds. However, when considered alongside all the other risk factors the difference was not significant. "There are certainly no breeds which are resistant to infection, all of them can get it and are therefore at risk!"
Dogs that had not been wormed in the past six months were more likely to be positive (17 per cent of these were positive) than those dogs that had been regularly wormed (12 per cent). "It’s important to realise that even in dogs that are regularly wormed, incidence is still high," concludes Eric. "Vets should pay particularly attention to the worming regimes that they routinely recommend and ensure that the products they prescribe have some activity against A. vasorum. They should also be prepared to consider A.vasorum as a diagnosis even in dogs that are routinely wormed. What we have to remember is that this is a tough worm to get rid of and one we need to take seriously if we are to prevent its spread."
Dickson Company, a US supplier of data loggers and chart recorders, has launched the Dickson Drug Recorder, a temperature monitor for refrigerators and freezers used for drug storage.
The company says the benefits of Dickson Drug Recorder are:
The Dickson Drug Recorder is compact and fits easily into drug storage refrigerators and freezers. It features a digital display for quick visual checks, and operates for two years on a single AA battery. It monitors temperatures ranging from –22oF to 122 oF (-30oC – 50oC).
For more information, visit: http://www.dicksondata.com/results/result_725.php, email Dickson customer service at dicksoncsr@dicksondata.com, or call +1-630-543-3747.
Dogs which survived the devastating earthquake in the Zun Dao township of Sichuan, China have a new lease on life after the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and local officials announced an agreement to end the cruel killing of dogs and instead address public health concerns through an IFAW sponsored anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary aid programme in the 20,000+ population.“This agreement is a major breakthrough,” said Jackson Zee, IFAW rescue leader. “Chinese media have been filled with reports of people evacuating with their pets, being comforted by their pets, and even saved by their pets after their homes collapsed, so we are delighted to see this next step as local officials are acknowledging that humane care of dogs, cats and livestock can benefit both animals and people.”After the devastating earthquake that claimed around 80,000 human lives, IFAW rushed close to £100,000 in aid and sourced over six tonnes of animal food for some of the hardest-hit areas within Sichuan province.IFAW met with local government officials in Zun Dao and offered humane alternatives to the dog culls presently in effect in much of the devastated areas. Officials agreed to halt any dog culling operations in the area and are welcoming IFAW’s efforts to address the present public health concerns by conducting an anti-rabies vaccination and veterinary care programme in the area.Accompanied by local veterinarians, IFAW began visiting villages immediately and on the first afternoon provided food, collars, leads and appropriate vaccinations for at least 50 family owned dogs. There are an estimated 4,000 owned dogs and 1,000 strays in Zun Dao and surrounding villages and relief efforts are expected to increase in the coming days.In addition to the efforts in Zun Dao, IFAW has been providing humanitarian aid in the region by meeting some of the most basic and urgent needs. From cooking oil to laundry detergent, mosquito repellents and toys for children, these much-needed supplies are helping families get back on their feet and take care of their pets and backyard farm animals. Desperately needed supplies such as 100 water pumps, fencing, generators and other supplies have also been rushed to Mianyang to help rescue animals in advance of anticipated flooding while additional support has been given to the acclaimed Giant Panda Nature Reserve in Gansu province.IFAW is appealing for public support to increase the amount of aid for animals and people in the earthquake region. To donate or view more information on current rescue efforts, visit www.ifaw.org.
Lord Rooker, Minister for Sustainable Food, Farming and Animal Health spelled out the law on dangerous dogs at the RSPCA Conference on Dogs this week, and announced the publication of a Defra leaflet which provides clear, concise and accessible information regarding the law on dogs which are dangerously out of control and dogs which are banned.
He said: "The vast majority of dog owners are responsible and the vast majority of dogs are well behaved, but recent tragic cases of dog attacks underline why we need to give absolute clarity to anyone that owns a dog on their responsibilities under the law.
"This new leaflet explains to dog owners, and people who come into contact with dogs, how the law prevents irresponsible dog ownership. It is important that people understand the law as it may deter irresponsible dog owners from allowing their dogs to be dangerous."
The leaflet outlines the following key points:
The leaflet also deals with the law on banned dogs. It explains that:
A printable version of the leaflet is available on the Defra website at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/domestic/dogs.htm
Defra is also currently working on a booklet to provide guidance on the law to those who are enforcing it, including the police and local authorities.
Defra says the public leaflet, in combination with the enforcers' document, is an essential part of its strategy to promote the better enforcement of the law on dangerous dogs.
Sheppard Robson, the architects behind the University of Liverpool’s Small Animal Teaching Hospital, have been celebrating this week after their design received a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) North West Award.The Small Animal Teaching Hospital, located at the University’s Leahurst campus in Neston, was completed in 2007 and is considered to be one of the most advanced and complete animal veterinary facilities in the UK. It incorporates clinical services, undergraduate teaching and clinical research under one roof.The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) annually presents regional awards for buildings that make a substantial contribution to the local environment and have high architectural standards.Ian Butler, Managing Partner at Sheppard Robson North, said: "The Small Animal Teaching Hospital at Liverpool University is a fantastic building. It is very strong and bold yet it is also simple and unfussy. It combines truly cutting edge teaching and research facilities with a sustainable building that blends into its environment. It is fantastic for our design to be lauded by RIBA. The Sheppard Robson team is very proud."The Small Animal Teaching Hospital, along with ten other North West buildings recognised by the regional judges, will now be considered for the National RIBA Awards in June.
Defra's Chief Veterinary Officer's annual report was published this week, reviewing developments in animal health and welfare during 2007.
The report, by former Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO) Fred Landeg, summarises progress and developments in the field of animal health and welfare within Great Britain. It also provides a continuous statistical record of the state of animal disease in Great Britain.
Topics covered in the 2007 report include the outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease, Avian Flu and Bluetongue, and progress on the UK's Responsibility and Cost Sharing Programme.
Other major areas covered in the report are:
A copy of the full report can be found at http://defraweb/animalh/cvo/report.htm
Vet Stuart Thorne from Fellowes Farm Equine Clinic in Abbots Ripton has praised the work of the charity-run National Foaling Bank after it helped save the life of an orphan three day old filly foal.
Intervet reports that a clinical trial of 489 cows on dairy farms in the south west last spring and summer has demonstrated some excellent efficacy levels for treating and preventing intramammary infections in the dry period and early lactation.
The trial compared Cephaguard® DC and a 600mg cloxacillin dry cow tube (OEDC) on its own, and in combination with a teat sealant. Cephaguard DC demonstrated superior efficacy in terms of infection prevention during and after the dry period relative to cloxacillin alone, and was statistically equal to the combination treatment group.
Indeed, cows treated with cefquinome (Cephaguard DC) were around half as likely to develop mastitis in the first 100 days post calving than those treated with cloxacillin alone.
The trial also demonstrated excellent efficacy levels against existing Strep. uberis infections when compared with cloxacillin (see table).
DRY PERIOD CURE RATES (%) OF KEY MASTITIS PATHOGENS
Cephaguard DC
Cloxacillin (600mg)
Strep. uberis
100
75
E. coli
92.31
Coagulase +ive Staphs
66.67
S. dysgalactiae
Intervet’s large animal veterinary adviser Rosemary Booth said: "With Intervet’s Cephaguard bacteriology scheme showing that Strep. uberis is responsible for 18% of high cell counts and 23% of clinical cases, the dry period offers a fantastic time to treat this persistent pathogen."
She added: "Several weeks of exposure to an effective dry cow antibiotic provides a particularly good opportunity to kill the cow-adapted strain of Strep. uberis. It lives quite happily in the udder and is tougher and harder to kill than the environmental strain."
The cloxacillin-treated group was significantly more likely to develop clinical mastitis compared to the cefquinome-treated group, as is shown in the table below:
First quarter clinical mastitis cases up to 100 days post calving in quarters not sampled in transition
OEDC
Total major pathogens
12
21
Total with enterobacterial involvement
6
Total cases
26
41
According to Intervet, the study results suggest that reviewing dry cow therapy this summer, and moving to a cefquinome-based treatment may help reduce the incidence of mastitis. Further information on the study will be presented at the Large Herd Seminar on 30 June 2008 and is available from Intervet.
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.
Janssen Animal Health has made what I am told is a 'very large' donation of Ripercol, a pour-on 20% levamisole w/v broad spectrum anthelminitic for cattle, effective against gastro intestinal nematodes and lungworm, to the Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS) – a UK registered charity (No.1100485) committed to improving the treatment and welfare of all animal species throughout the world.Nigel Underwood, Livestock Marketing Manager at Janssen said: 'We are very pleased to be able to help improve the health of animals in the developing countries and in turn to help those people who need it most. I’d encourage other pharmaceutical companies and practices to support WVS whenever they can, as they do a fantastic job.'Annie Cook, WVS Director of Veterinary Operations said: 'So far this year we have been able to help over 64 associated charities with nearly £73,000 worth of donated items. This incredibly generous donation of Ripercol from Janssen Animal Health will allow us to provide production animal welfare charities in India, East Africa and South America with a much needed resource'.WVS is currently arranging a Disaster Emergency Response team of veterinary professionals to visit the Internally Displaced People Camps in Kenya created following the election violence. Luke Gamble, WVS Chief Executive Officer, who will be coordinating the team said: 'The high concentration of animals in these camps combined with poor sanitation will promote the spread of disease between animals and is also a public health concern. Simply deworming these animals will improve their productivity and survival, which is vitally important as they are an essential resource to the people in the camps.'
Helen Ghosh, Defra's Permanent Secretary today confirmed the appointment of Nigel Gibbens as Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO). Nigel qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 1981 and has spent most of his career involved in animal health and welfare with lead roles on international trade and exotic diseases. Since 1990 he has held a variety of operational and advisory positions in the Government's veterinary and policy services. Nigel moved to the central animal health policy group in 1996 and worked on international trade for eight years, followed by surveillance and control of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy and animal welfare. He has also worked in general veterinary practice and for Government veterinary services in Belize and Yemen. He said: "I am delighted to have been appointed to this important and challenging role. I intend to build on the successes and lessons learned from recent exotic disease outbreaks to ensure that these risks continue to be managed as effectively as possible. "Defra and its Agencies must continue to work with animal keepers and the veterinary profession to deal with existing challenges such as Bluetongue and Tuberculosis, and to maintain good animal welfare standards and surveillance to identify and deal with any new threats. The Government will increasingly develop policy on disease control in partnership with key stakeholders and I am committed to ensuring that those decisions are founded on the best possible veterinary advice." Nigel's first event as CVO will be to represent the UK at the World Animal Health Organisation General Session in Paris from 25 to 30 May.
The Company of Animals, makers of behaviour and training products, has announced the launch of a new Product and Training DVD, designed to be screened in practice waiting rooms. The DVD features the entire range of products from Company of Animals, including its multi-award-winning dog training devices, being demonstrated by pet dogs and their owners. It is presented by Animal Psychologist and founder of The Company of Animals, Dr. Roger Mugford. The Company of Animals says that playing the DVD during opening hours will grab the attention of your customers, raise their awareness of already popular products, and educate them about new ones. This DVD is free and available to all veterinary retailers. To order the DVD or for more information see: http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/
New faces on the RCVS Council include Richard Stephenson, Charles Gruchy and Catherine Goldie. Dr Barry Johnson (first elected to Council in 1985) and Dr Christopher Chesney (first elected in 1996) have been voted on for further terms. Dr Robert Ellis, who has had three previous periods on Council, has been re-elected.
A report published by the Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs committee this week has concluded that The Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 is in need of updating. However, lack of available budget in the current Comprehensive Spending Review period means that further work on a White Paper won't happen till 2011 at the earliest. In particular, the report found consensus within the profession that the disciplinary procedure is in urgent need of updating. However, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons does not have majority support for its proposals on compulsory practice standards and compulsory continuing professional development. The report crticised the RCVS for not having done enough to provide a clear picture of its proposals for a new statutory framework for the regulation of the profession. However, an RCVS spokesman said: "In fact, we have invested considerable time and resources in the development of proposals, led by a working party that included stakeholders. However, we have been awaiting further input from Defra before taking matters further." Chairman of the Committee the Rt Hon Michael Jack said: "We urge the profession to coalesce round some specific proposals to amend the disciplinary process for veterinary professionals. We believe that a working party should be set up between Defra, the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association to produce a new Bill for introduction in 2009." Responding to the publication of the report, BVA President Nick Blayney said: "While we will certainly consider EFRACom’s proposal that BVA work with Defra and RCVS to produce a draft bill, the BVA is a voluntary association and our focus is the benefit of our members. Given that we are not even persuaded of the need for a new Act, it is likely that our contribution will be advisory and not financial." Click here for the full report
Petplan has launched PetPeople, billed as the largest circulation pet focussed customer magazine.
Winners of the 2008 Petplan Veterinary Awards, which recognise and applaud staff and practices for their outstanding excellence and service, will feature on Natasha Kaplinsky’s Channel Five news slot from tonight at 5:00pm, and then again at 7:00pm. Tonight's news will cover the story of the Veterinary Practice of the Year: Orwell Veterinary Group, and there'll be more coverage on Tuesday and Wednesday as follows: Tuesday 13th May 5pm & 7pm – Vet of the Year – Brian Faulkner of the Melton Veterinary Surgery Wednesday 14th May 5pm & 7pm – Vet Nurse of the Year – Louisa Baker of the Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre. Should be great publicity for the profession, and it is difficult to achieve this sort of thing, so hats off to Petplan.
Howard Wilder has been elected chairman of the National Office of Animal Health for 2008-2009. He is the managing director of Genitrix Ltd. The election took place at NOAH's AGM in London on 23 April. Mr Wilder was elected to the NOAH Board of Management in 2005 and appointed Vice-Chairman in May 2006. He replaces Graham Dick who now becomes NOAH past-chairman. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Wilder said: "NOAH provides an important forum in which animal medicine manufacturers can come together on an equal footing to discuss the issues and opportunities they are facing and developments in the sector."
Midlands-based veterinary surgeon Richard Hillman, who will become the new President of Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons on May 25th, has outlined the issues he'll be championing during his term of office:
The owner of Hillman Vets, a five-clinic practice based in Walsall, Lichfield, Brownhills and Darlaston, Richard is a successful businessman with numerous achievements under his belt. During the 1990s, he developed the Hillman Vets practice as well as helping to launch the first out-of-hours animal clinic in the country, Northside Emergency Veterinary Clinic in Great Barr, Birmingham, and the Birmingham-based chain of Value Vets clinics, for pet owners wanting basic services.
Passionately committed to the veterinary profession, Richard wanted to be a vet even as a child, and has described his job as “a privilege, and the enduring cornerstone of my life”.
In recent years, Richard has become an activist on issues he feels strongly about, such as the rights of animals. He has called on shoppers to buy British organic or farm assured meat because of poor welfare standards in other countries. He has also backed plans to introduce “ASBOs for dogs” in a bid to reduce the growing number of attacks by dangerous dogs on children in their homes and on members of the public.
During his year as SPVS president, Richard intends to encourage UK veterinary practitioners to play a greater campaigning role on welfare issues. “We are the best placed, most motivated, and appropriately qualified people to ensure animal welfare, the responsible use of pharmaceuticals, and food safety,” he will tell fellow vets.
Richard is excited about his presidential year and says: “This year gives me the opportunity to drive the agenda from the front to make a difference, and to work tirelessly to promote, support and represent our profession.”