Council members voted in favour of becoming a fully-appointed governing Council, and for VN Council to become fully-appointed.
In relation to RCVS Council, it also voted to explore retaining elected representation on a future council or committee focussed on 'upstream regulation' and development of the profession.
Council also voted to move towards greater parity between professional and lay RCVS Council members, but delayed a decision on the precise balance until it has the opportunity to consider the matter in more detail.
Council voted to remove veterinary school appointees from Council, agreeing to discuss the future composition of the RCVS Education Committee at a later date.
Council then voted to further investigate a number of alternative governance arrangement suggestions, including independent oversight of the College, and to review term limits across all appointed positions.
RCVS President Linda Belton said: “Thank you to all who took part in the consultation and made suggestions on alternative and additional arrangements that might be made regarding our governance.
"Thank you also to Council members for a robust discussion of these proposals.
“We still have a number of important governance issues to discuss at a future date and the proposals that Council members have voted to approve today will not be brought into immediate effect, but will be included in our proposals to government for new veterinary legislation.
“As we seek reform of veterinary regulation via new primary legislation, it is important that our governance arrangements not only inspire public confidence and trust but also allow us, as a Royal College that regulates, to work with the professions on our upstream regulatory activities, not only to ensure that individuals are fit for practice, but also that we maintain a profession fit for purpose.
“The decision to explore retaining an elected element on a future veterinary council or committee, responsible for work dedicated to the development of the professions, gives a clear indication of the value of our ‘Royal College that regulates’ model.
"We have also made a further commitment to public assurance by agreeing to explore independent oversight of the RCVS.
“Any future appointments process developed by the RCVS will be committed to adhering to the Public Standards Authority’s principles on appointments; these are merit; fairness; transparency and openness; and inspiring confidence.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil-nov24
Otomicol contains miconazole nitrate, prednisolone acetate and polymyxin B.
The product targets a range of pathogens including miconazole and polymyxin B-sensitive, Malassezia and Pseudomonas spp.
Renzo Di Florio, technical vet at Krka UK, said: “With its multifactorial aetiology, ear disease is often challenging to manage, causing frustration for owners and significant discomfort for pets.
"Otomicol is a cost-effective solution that veterinary surgeons can add to their treatment toolbox for cases where bacterial and fungal infection are important factors.”
Otomicol ear drops and cutaneous suspension are available in a 15ml bottle with an extended shelf life of six months after opening.
Otomicol is available from veterinary wholesalers.
https://www.krka.co.uk
Reference
PhotonUVC Vet is a non-contact treatment which emits low dose ultraviolet C light at a targeted area.
Photon Therapeutics says the device kills bacteria, viruses, fungi and other infecting organisms while being safe to host tissues.
Other claimed benefits of the device are that it avoids client compliance issues associated with eye-drops, it eliminates the need for antibiotic eye drops, and it is very simple to learn how to use.
The device costs £4,995.
To explain more about The PhotonUVC Vet, Dr. Simon Dean. MBChB, MSc, FRANZCO, FBCLA Chief Scientific Officer at Photon Therapeutics, and Dr. Mark Leddy BVSc, MBA, CEO, will be delivering a CPD presentation at the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre 3: "5 Amazing Seconds – A New Transformative Treatment for Corneal Infections", on Thursday 14th November at 3pm.
There is also a launch event reception at the stand from 16.15 to 18.15 on Thursday 14 November.
https://photon-therapeutics.com/
Polypropylene or plastic-based wipes, which have been industry standard due to their reliable nature and compatibility with biocidal active materials, are due to be banned in the UK, because they take up to 100 years to break down.
Byotrol says its new wipes are made using a plastic-free 100% biodegradable substrate that deteriorates 3 months after disposal.
The company adds that the new wipes are proven to destroy bacteria, yeast, enveloped viruses, and fungi on non-porous surfaces and are effective against animal-specific pathogens such as: Brucella canis, Streptococcus equi, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Coronaviruses, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes
Jane Kiely, Head of Marketing at Byotrol said: “Launching the Anigene Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes is the final step in removing plastic wet wipes from our portfolio and a significant milestone in Byotrol’s sustainability journey.
"We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in the veterinary industry, offering an effective and regulatory-compliant product range that meets the needs of our customers”
Byotrol will be on Stand F18 at the London Vet Show.
https://byotrol.com
George Philippus Hauptfleisch faced three charges in relation to allegations of clinical failings surrounding three patients:
The first charge surrounded the allegations that in 2018, Mr Hauptfleisch failed to provide appropriate and adequate care to Steel, a Cane Corso Mastiff, in that he performed surgery outside of his competence, failed to offer a reasonable range of treatment options as alternatives, failed to make adequate enquiries about the possibility of a referral to a specialist, failed to obtain informed consent to the surgery, and failed to maintain adequate clinical records.
The second charge, in relation to a German Shepherd, alleged that in 2019, Mr Hauptfleisch failed to provide appropriate and adequate care when he undertook surgery which was outside of his competence and failed to undertake the surgery to an adequate standard, failed to note sufficient details to show that informed consent for the surgery had been obtained, and failed to maintain adequate clinical records.
The third charge, in relation to a Retriever, alleged that Mr Hauptfleisch failed to provide appropriate and adequate care with regards to surgery he performed when it was outside of his competence, failed to undertake the surgery to an adequate standard, failed to note sufficient details that showed informed consent had been obtained, and failed to maintain adequate clinical records.
Prior to the hearing, Mr Hauptfleisch made an application to the Committee to dispose of the matter by way of adjournment for an indefinite period, against his undertakings to request the Registrar to remove him from the Register, and never to seek restoration to the Register.
In deciding whether to grant the application, the Committee took into account a number of factors.
These included the fact that Mr Hauptfliesch had, in December 2021, returned to South Africa, after a career of over 32 years in the UK, and now resides there permanently, the fact that he has no intention of moving back to the UK, and that he had not practised as a veterinary surgeon since the day he left.
He had also removed himself from the equivalent register in South Africa and the Committee noted that the RCVS would inform the South African Veterinary Council of the outcome of these proceedings.
The Committee also noted that there were no previous disciplinary findings against him, that Mr Hauptfleisch now spends the majority of his time undertaking charitable activities, including running a mentoring programme for young people, and, that he expressed deep regret for anything which he did or did not do which failed to protect the welfare of animals or caused upset to his clients and fellow members of the profession.
Mr Hauptfleisch also drew attention to the fact that the charges did not allege dishonesty and that the reputation of the profession would be upheld as Mr Hauptfleisch would no longer practise as a veterinary surgeon and would not return to practise.
Therefore, it would not be proportionate, nor in the public interest, for there to be a lengthy contested hearing resulting in substantial costs for both the RCVS and for Mr Hauptfleisch.
Hilary Lloyd, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “Taking into account the removal from the Register and the respondent’s undertaking never to apply for restoration, in conjunction with all of the circumstances, the Committee was satisfied that allowing the application would be sufficient to uphold the public interest, confidence in the profession and the RCVS as a regulator, and protect the welfare of animals.
“As a result of all the factors set out, and taking into account the nature of the charges which relate to the alleged inadequate standard of clinical practice, the Committee decided that this is not a case in which there were wider issues relevant to the profession at large, such as those which had public policy implications and which required full consideration at a hearing.
“The Committee was satisfied that neither the public interest nor the welfare of animals demands that there be a full hearing in this case.
“Taking into account proportionality and weighing in the balance all the circumstances of the case, the interests of justice, the public interest, the need to uphold proper standards of conduct and performance, and the need to protect the welfare of animals, the Committee decided to grant the respondent’s application.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/
The group was set up in 2019 by veterinary students Stephanie Stapleton and Lavinia Economu, to break down barriers and promote veterinary careers to young people, in part by becoming the role models they wished they’d had in school.
It also aims to correct misconceptions about what vets do, the pathway to becoming a vet and the various job options available in animal-related careers.
Over the years, Animal Aspirations has evolved to provide positive role models and practical advice to diverse students of all ages across the country, with a focus on supporting those from an ethnic minority or on Free School Meals through its school workshops.
It has expanded from nine students at the RVC to a team of 83 students.
The organisation also now has a presence across several leading institutions, including the University of Cambridge, the University of Surrey, Harper Adams University, Keele University and the University of Central Lancashire.
Lavinia said: “I’ve always lived and gone to school in Greater London, and so I was used to being surrounded by people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
"Once I started my veterinary degree, this was no longer the case, as few students came from diverse or ethnic minority backgrounds.
"This pattern seemed to be the same in all vet schools and even the veterinary profession, but there were very few if any, initiatives to address it.
“During my intercalated year at the RVC, I was lucky enough to meet Stephanie Stapleton, another vet student who also shared my passion for increasing diversity in veterinary medicine.
"She introduced me to the Widening Participation team at the RVC, and together, we recruited an amazing group of vet students, and Animal Aspirations was born.
“I truly think this is one of the best professions to be in, and I’d like to see it become more accessible and inclusive to all young people, no matter their background.”
Lharanya Somasundaram, President of Animal Aspirations, said: “It has been incredible to see the impact of our work, how misconceptions that once served as barriers are being challenged, and how young people feel more empowered to pursue their dreams.
“However, there is still much work to be done. The goal is to create such a diverse and inclusive environment that it can sustain itself and the support we provide is the norm. This only becomes possible when everyone, regardless of experience, position or background, is committed to championing diversity.
“We should all be thinking about how we can make ourselves and our workplaces more inclusive.
"With these combined efforts, we get closer to a profession where everyone feels as though they truly belong.”
https://www.animalaspirations.com
IVC's existing Pet Health Club includes vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, health checks and a variety of discounts.
IVC says the new tier, Pet Health Club Plus, has been introduced to encourage owners to bring their pet in early, meaning problems can be diagnosed more quickly and therefore improve the welfare outcome of the pet.
It is also designed to support owners by spreading the cost of their pet’s healthcare.
25,000 pet owners have already joined Pet Health Club Plus, which costs £27.99 for cats and £29.99 for dogs, and it is now being pushed with a national TV advertising campaign which will run till the end of the year.
Paragon’s gardens feature bee and insect hotels, bird feeders, bat boxes and robin hides, plants for pollinators and long grass to suit hedgehogs.
The garden at Dalston has a bog garden and pond.
Children from the local primary school visit to plant trees and scatter wildflower seeds.
Paragon’s most ambitious project is at Newbiggin where, with the help of a grant from Forestry England, it is planting a three-hectare native broadleaf woodland, reinstating hedgerows and incorporating a wildflower meadow.
Gardeners’ World’s Frances Tophill presented the framed certificate and trophy at the Britain in Bloom Awards at Old Trafford Stadium, Manchester.
Laura Binnie, small animal vet and sustainability lead at Paragon, said: “When we set out to create wellbeing gardens for our staff to enjoy, and to do it as sustainably as we could, we never thought it would go this far.”
“In the veterinary profession, we’re at that unique intersection where people, planet and animals come together.
“We feel a responsibility to do something for the community, for nature and for our clients and staff, and to lessen our impact on the climate crisis.”
https://www.paragonvet.com
Mr Bowles faced four charges, but did not respond to the College's notification about the hearing, so the Committee decided to proceed in his absence.
The first charge was that in 2020, while attending a farm in Lincolnshire in his capacity as an Official Veterinarian (OV), Mr Bowles carried out Intradermal Comparative Tuberculin (ICT) tests on a herd of cattle but failed to measure the skin thickness of all the cattle using callipers and failed to take and record measurements for the cattle.
The Committee was provided with evidence that Mr Bowles had, in earlier correspondence with the College, admitted that he had failed to follow Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) standard operating procedures for ICT testing at the farm and so the charge was found proven.
The second charge was that he then certified the results of the inaccurate ICT test he'd performed earlier.
The Committee found this charge proven on the basis that, without using callipers to measure skin thickness, he was not entitled to certify the test.
The third charge was that his conduct in relation to the first two charges was dishonest, misleading and risked undermining government testing procedures designed to promote public health and animal welfare.
The Committee found all elements of the charges proven.
The final charge was that Mr Bowles's conduct took place despite warnings, advice and re-training being given by the APHA.
These included: a letter sent to Mr Bowles’s by APHA in 2014 about the suspension of his OV status after he failed to comply with APHA rules; a letter sent by the APHA to Mr Bowles’s employer in October 2016 regarding issues of non-compliance it had found during a September 2016 audit; and the suspension of Mr Bowles’s OV duties by his employer, pending further training, following issues of non-compliance.
Given Mr Bowles’s history of non-compliance with APHA standard operating procedures and standards, the Committee found the charge proven.
The Committee found that charges 1 to 3 amounted to serious professional misconduct but that charge 4, while making the conduct in the other charges more serious, did not in and of itself constitute serious professional misconduct.
In determining the most appropriate sanction for Mr Bowles, the Committee found that he had paid ‘scant regard’ to the testing procedures set out by APHA and breached the RCVS certification requirements set out in the Code of Professional Conduct for Veterinary Surgeons in ‘numerous and serious’ ways.
Hilary Lloyd, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee’s view is that the respondent’s conduct in refusing to follow the OV Instructions when testing cattle in May 2020 constituted conduct of an egregious kind.
"In addition, there are several aggravating elements which can be applied to his misconduct, including a risk to animal or human health; his lack of probity and integrity in certifying test results which he knew were non-compliant and unreliable; recklessness in reaching a conscious decision to ignore the OV Instructions; his failure to comply with the requirements of the position of trust and responsibility which attached to his APHA authorisation; and against a backdrop of sustained pattern of behaviour that displayed blatant disregard of the system that regulated TB testing by OVs.
"It follows that the respondent manifested no insight into the seriousness of his misconduct when acting as an OV.”
The Committee considered whether there were any mitigating factors regarding Mr Bowles’ conduct.
It took into account that Mr Bowles had not secured any financial advantage, that there was no actual harm to animals, and that he had a long career as a veterinary surgeon, although with a history of non-compliance.
It noted that there had been some late admissions of misconduct by Mr Bowles when he tendered an apology, but found this mitigation was undermined by the fact his explanations lacked consistency and that he had also initially asserted that he had used callipers during the testing.
Due to the seriousness of the non-compliance, the dishonesty and the potential risk to public health, the Committee considered that removing Mr Bowles from the Register was the only proportionate and appropriate response to the scale of misconduct.
Hilary added: “Given the amount of advice received and re-training which the respondent was required to undertake, he has already had ample opportunity to remediate his practice but has not done so.
"The Committee is therefore concerned that there is a very real risk of further repetition of this conduct in the future were he to be permitted to remain on the Register.
“The Committee’s concern in this regard stems from the fact that the dishonesty of which the respondent has been found guilty, was not dishonesty committed on the spur of the moment.
"The respondent had ample opportunities for reflection before resolving to act as he did.
"This places his acts of dishonesty in the most serious category.
“The public is entitled to expect that it can have confidence in the certifications of a veterinary surgeon who is carrying out a public duty on behalf of that public body.
"Indeed, that is the whole purpose behind the requirement that OVs undertake additional and specialised training before being permitted to undertake OV duties.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The report comes on the back of a survey by the association which found that 93% of vets say sustainability is important to them.
The BVA says the report aims to break down the challenge that both teams and individuals face in working towards net zero emissions.
It explains the impact of climate change, what the veterinary profession’s role is in tackling it and why the BVA thinks it is so important that the profession plays its part.
The report also includes resources and showcases the ways real veterinary workplaces are taking action to reduce their impact on the environment.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Anna Judson said: “Many veterinary professionals have long been concerned about the impact the sector is having on the environment, and many are already taking action to mitigate this.
"However, there is still more work to do.
"Our vision is that by 2050 the profession will have adapted to support the UK’s net zero targets; is trusted on mitigating its own carbon footprint; and is a leading advocate for environmental sustainability.
"This new report is providing vet teams with the tools and the inspiration to do their bit, because small changes add-up to make a big difference.”
There'll be a session on the subject at the London Vet Show this year, chaired by Anna Judson, with panelists Ed Bailey, Clinical Director and Sustainability Lead at George Farm Vets, Laura Binnie, Sustainability Lead at Paragon Veterinary Group and James Bevan, Planetary Health Senior Teaching Fellow Public Health Registrar, University of Southampton.
"Practice what you preach: Reaching net zero is a team effort" will be held at 10.45am - 11.45am on 14 November in the BVA Congress Theatre.
www.bva.co.uk/net-zero-report
LacriProtect is designed to increase the depth of the tear film in the management of dry eye, during anaesthesia, or in case of irritation.
It contains a carbomer-based formula in individual, resealable single-use pipettes, so that each application is hygienic and free from cross-contamination.
This, says Samaxia, is particularly useful in clinical settings.
Lacri+ contains 0.4% cross-linked sodium hyaluronate and urea, and is designed to hydrate, lubricate and protect the ocular surface.
It comes in a multi-dispense bottle with a tip-seal mechanism and multilayer filtration to ensure sterility and give a shelf life of three months after opening.
https://www.samaxia.com
Ms Gurrin faced two charges, the first being that she had issued prescriptions for Roaccutane tables, indicating they were for the treatment of an animal when they were in fact for a human.
The second charge was that Dr Gurrin’s conduct in relation to the first charge was dishonest and/or misleading, and took place in circumstances where Dr Gurrin was not professionally qualified to write a prescription for a human.
Ms Gurrin admitted the allegation in its entirety and the Committee therefore found it proved.
The College submitted that Dr Gurrin breached fundamental tenets of the Code of Professional Conduct and acted dishonestly and, as such, that the admitted facts amounted to disgraceful conduct.
The Committee accepted that Dr Gurrin’s conduct involved dishonesty, but took into account the context: that Dr Gurrin was seeking to help in continuing a course of medication that she understood to have been properly prescribed by a specialist physician.
Mitigating factors included the lack of artifice or sophistication in the drawing of the prescription and its presentation to the pharmacist, in that Ms Gurrin didn't invent an animal name or species, or any kind of elaboration or backstory when challenged by the pharmacist on the prescription.
In addition, there was no financial or other personal gain, it was a single isolated incident, it was a spur of the moment decision without reflection, no harm was caused or risked to any animal, Ms Gurrin had a long and previously unblemished career and lastly she showed insight into the offence.
The committee also took into account the character testimonials which showed Ms Gurrin not only to be an exceptional vet, but a dedicated professional who had nurtured a very strong team, and someone who is held in extraordinarily high regard by both her clients and colleagues.
There were no aggravating factors.
The Committee considered that the case was too serious to take no further action, but that there was no ongoing danger to the public or risk to animal health.
Kathryn Peaty, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee has reached the conclusion that it is appropriate to impose a reprimand and a warning in this case.
"It would serve no purpose to impose a more severe sanction of a suspension and deprive Dr Gurrin’s clients of her valuable service and to deprive Dr Gurrin of the opportunity to practise for however short a time.
"The Committee considered that it is right to recognise that this misconduct was an aberration in a fine career, which is not characteristic of this veterinary surgeon and which happened when she was off her guard and in circumstances when she was mistakenly trying to help another in what she thought was a safe way.
“The Committee therefore decided, in the particular circumstance of this case, to impose a reprimand and warning on the basis that it would be proportionate in order to maintain public confidence in the profession and declare and uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.”
Nutraotic contains grapeseed oil, cinnamon, oregano, clove and lemongrass, a formulation which Nutravet says is designed to provide anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory support.
The company claims it helps cleanse and moisturise the ear canal, reduce ear odours and break down earwax, while maintaining a balanced ear flora to help prevent infections.
Chris Jones, Managing Director of Nutravet said: “Our goal with the Nutraotic range is to provide pet owners and veterinary professionals with products that offer safe, natural solutions to common pet ear issues.
“We recognise that ear health in dogs and cats is a frequent concern, and with the launch of the Nutraotic Ear Essential Oil, we’re expanding our ability to support pets in a way that’s effective and gentle.
"This product has been developed to make ear care simple and stress-free while using only the highest quality ingredients.”
www.nutravet.com
The company now expects the vaccine will not be available until June 2025.
The company apologised for the disruption and inconvenience and says it will provide more information as soon as it becomes available.
For further information contact your Zoetis Account Manager or call Head Office on 0345 300 8034.
Trilotab is licensed for the treatment of pituitary-dependent hypercortisolism (PDH) caused by an adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenoma, which accounts for 85% of spontaneous cases of Cushing’s, and for the treatment of adreno-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (ADH) caused by a cortisol-secreting adrenocortical tumour (ACT), which accounts for the remaining 15% of spontaneous cases1.
The new tablet is divisible into halves and quarters to facilitate dose adjustment and make administration easier.
Divided tablets remain stable outside of the blister packaging until the next dose is due, thereby avoiding wastage.
Trilotab tablets are chewable and chicken-flavoured to help improve treatment compliance.
They contain hydrolysed chicken flavouring so they can be prescribed for pets allergic to chicken.
Trilotab is administered once daily with food with a starting dose of 2mg trilostane/kg bodyweight.
The new tabs are available in three presentations: 10mg, 30mg, and 60mg presentations, which Virbac says should help practices reduce their dispensary stockholding.
Andrew Connolly, Marketing Director – UK & Ireland at Virbac, said: ‘The complex nature of Cushing’s syndrome in dogs can make it a challenging condition to manage for both the clinician and the pet owner.
"With the requirement for lifelong treatment, it is our hope that Trilotab’s easy administration and simplified dosing protocols will genuinely help to improve the lives of dogs affected by the disease, whilst making the clinician and pet owner’s lives just a little bit easier too!"
Purina says that assessing water intake can be difficult for pet owners and appreciating what is ‘normal’ is of course central to identifying when intake is excessive, requiring further investigation, or inadequate, requiring alternative hydration strategies.
The company developed the water calculator to help vets and nurses give guidance to pet owners on a pet’s recommended daily water intake, depending on lifestage, bodyweight and diet.
Libby Sheridan, Scientific Affairs Manager at Purina said: “All too often a pet has been suffering polydipsia for some time when they are presented at the clinic.
"That may be because water intake isn’t being measured or observed, but often there is a confusion with knowing what is normal for the individual pet.
"Cats, particularly when they are older may struggle to meet their water needs and this tool can be helpful in assessing their intake and suggests some strategies for improving hydration.”
Any member of the clinical veterinary team can email vettechline@purina.nestle.com to get access to webinars on hydration and a short video on how to use the water calculator within Vet Centre.
https://vetcentre.purina.co.uk
For the study1, which was conducted from March 2011 to August 2021, the cases of 50 puppies aged 3 to 6 months with unicondylar fractures were reviewed.
The sample included 30 fractures in 29 dogs treated with transcondylar bone screws and K-wires.
All fractures healed successfully.
The study included 24 male and 26 female puppies, with French Bulldogs representing 50% of the cases, ages ranging from 11 to 30 weeks and bodyweight varying from 1.5 to 16.9 kg, with a median of 5.5 kg.
Short-term outcomes were excellent in 77% of cases and good in 23%.
No catastrophic failures occurred, and the four complications encountered were resolved with further minor surgery.
The author says that while recent studies have raised concerns about the stability of using K-wires, rather than bone plates, this one suggests that for puppies at least, the combination of a transcondylar bone screw and K-wire is effective.
The incidence of implant-related complications was lower than in adult dogs, and the short-term outcomes were excellent or good in all cases with follow-up data.
The research underscores the need for further multicentre studies with longer-term follow-up to confirm these findings and compare them with other fixation techniques.
However, this study concludes that while epicondylar plates have become accepted practice for adult dogs with such fractures, they may not be necessary for puppies aged 3 to 7 months.
Study in full: https://cgrp01mstr8u1x2prod.dxcloud.episerver.net/globalassets/stock-images/humeral-condylar-paper---weighbridge-referral-centre---cvs.pdf
www.weighbridgevets.co.uk
Vita Referrals has been set up by Rob Quinn, an RCVS and EBVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, and Nick Blackburn and Stuart Cooke, both RCVS Advanced Practitioners in Small Animal Surgery.
They say that their aim is to ensure every pet owner has access to reasonably priced surgical care.
To that end, the clinic lists fixed costs for all of its major surgical specialities on its website, where it says clients should notice a significant reduction compared to other providers.
It also offers a 12-month post-surgical complications warranty.
Rob said: “Many pet-owners are unaware that there are three major companies which own the vast majority of veterinary practices in the UK.
"That is not necessarily of benefit to those using the services, as prices can rise when competition is low.
"Myself, Nick and Stuart felt very strongly that there was a different way to do things.
“No one becomes a vet to see animals suffer or pet-owners struggle to make tough financial decisions.
"We knew it was possible to offer a top quality service, with the best facilities and equipment available, whilst also keeping prices at a realistic level – and that is where the vision for Vita Referrals came from.
"We also wanted the freedom to offer collaborative decision-making, the removal of complex forms and bureaucracy and what we believe is an industry-leading 12-month complications guarantee on routine surgeries.
"It’s time there was more disruption and competition in the sector – and that will, ultimately, only be a good thing for pets, owners and vets.”
www.vitareferrals.co.uk
One of the consequences of veterinary price inflation has been a backlash from owners against vets, vet nurses and receptionists, so the first film kicks off by explaining why large vet bills are not the fault of the vet standing in front of them when their dog gets ill.
Currently, a further eight films are now in production, each looking at a different reason why the costs of veterinary care have increased and suggesting ways that owners can mitigate the impact. They are:
VetNurse.co.uk Publishing Editor, Arlo Guthrie, who presents the films, said: "Above all, the aim here is to foster a better understanding between veterinary professionals and owners.
"I do hope the vets, nurses and support staff who have been bearing the brunt will feel my films are helpful.
"If you do feel they make useful points, then you need to share and 'like' the hell out of them on all the different social media platforms, in order that they reach the largest number of people.
"And if you have feedback about the content, or ideas for other topics we should cover, then come and post here:https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32548/why-have-vet-bills-gone-up-so-much/178960#178960
The film is available for sharing here:
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetsurgeon.vetnurse/video/7426457335880617248
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lg_EeamSbSI
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/reel/927062139289036
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vetnurse-co-uk_veterinarysurgeon-veterinarynurse-activity-7252421040318869505-ctAG/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBOFKCLN0lo/
The original TATE elbow replacement was first in clinical use in the 2010s and the revised 3rd generation version is apparently a much-improved implant, something which the clinical evaluation trial should demonstrate.
Andy Moores, head of the joint replacement programme at The Moores Orthopaedic Clinic, said: “Canine elbow replacement can be a game-changer for dogs living with chronic elbow pain but up until this point the elbow replacement systems have not been as reliable as we would like.
"The third-generation TATE implant has been in use with a small number of US surgeons for several years now and the results so far have been very promising.
"We are delighted that Biomedtrix have invited us to join the evaluation trial for this implant and that the RCVS Ethics Review Panel have approved this.
"We look forward to offering this surgery as an option for some of our most painful canine patients.”
www.mooresortho.com
The sessions will take place in Gallery Suite 17 and are first come, first served.
Dechra will also be sponsoring two equine sessions at LVS:
www.dechra.co.uk/events
Written by 16 internationally renowned cat welfare experts and endorsed by the European Society of Veterinary Clinical Ethology (ESVCE), the programme is the start of a journey to becoming an iCatCare Behavioural Health Practitioner and replaces the Advanced Feline Behaviour for Veterinary and Cat Professionals courses.
The modular course is designed to fit into a busy schedule and includes up-to-date cat welfare science (including areas of behaviour, cognition, emotions, human-animal interactions and genetics)
On completing each module, participants will earn certificates which build up to the Level 1 Cat Behavioural Health Practitioner, which comprises four learning modules and a final project module.
Planning is currently underway for Level 2, which will build on the skills acquired in Level 1 with a focus on people-centric skills, such as communication, professionalism and ethics, and will include practical case studies.
International Cat Care says the programme will also help those interested in becoming an ABTC Animal Behaviour Technician, because it covers some of the knowledge and understanding requirements.
Sarah Ellis, Head of Cat Mental Wellbeing and Behaviour at iCatCare and course director said: "Across the world are cats that are misunderstood due to a lack of caregiver understanding of their behaviour.
"Sadly, this can lead to inappropriate husbandry and interactions, which can, in turn, lead to problem behaviours.
"Preventative advice and early recognition of problem behaviours are both key to improving cat welfare.
"This programme allows anyone who works with cats, either directly or in a remote advisory role, to gain the knowledge and understanding required to help promote cat behavioural health.’
https://go.icatcare.org/catbehealth
Some 150 practices currently use Vidivet, which was set up by Ben Sweeney MRCVS (pictured) in 2020.
He said: “I started VidiVet as I wanted people to be able to access high quality, impartial care for their pets that allows them to make more informed decisions around their treatment with expert information, rather than resorting to the internet.
"As a vet I also wanted to make life easier for those working within veterinary practices.
"VidiVet relieves part of the burden veterinary practices face by offering a trusted digital triage service for their clients.
"Our digital service can provide a helpful extension to a practice which dramatically reduces admin and saves time for the in-house team.
"Crucially, we offer peace of mind and reduce anxiety for pet owners, and with over 96% of VidiVet out of hours calls redirected to the pet owner’s registered vet, it can really enhance the practice bond by using digital care to augment physical care."
Before the Provet partnership, OOH case notes were sent to client practices which then had to enter them onto their systems manually.
Vidivet says the intregration with Provet means less admin and time savings for practices and a quicker follow up for pet owners.
https://vidivet.com
https://www.provet.cloud
This year's event, titled “Nourish the Gut, Nurture the Future,” will have talks from over 17 experts, including:
Dr. Karen Shenoy, US Chief Veterinary Officer at Hill’s Pet Nutrition said: “The microbiome is a trending focus in human health, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition is proud to assemble leading minds to bring this emerging topic into deeper focus for the veterinary community.
“We’re bringing this powerful content to an even broader audience this year through livestreams in both Spanish and English. I’ll be hosting the English stream, and I’m excited about our plans for guest appearances from the speakers and sharing extra tidbits to make the virtual experience as engaging as it is informative.”
https://way.in/618A0oP
The new clinic will be based in Uttoxeter and have an in-house 1.5T MRI, 32-slice CT, and three purpose-built theatres.
Building work has started and clinic is now recruiting for orthopaedic surgery Specialists, neurology Specialists and experienced veterinary nurses.
Mark Lowrie, RCVS and EBVS European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology (pictured), will lead the new site day-to-day once up and running.
He said: “Our ethos is simple: we aspire to be the place that vets take their own pets.
"By focusing on responsive communication, exceptional clinical standards, and fair pricing, we aim to build trust with both veterinary professionals and clients.
"And for those who join our team, we are committed to creating a supportive and positive environment where everyone can thrive and grow."
“This is a rare chance to be part of something special from day one, to join and help build the culture and success of a dynamic, independent practice and a brand new state-of-the-art clinic.
"With cutting-edge facilities and a supportive team, we want fresh expertise and energy to help shape the future of veterinary care.”
https://www.movementvets.co.uk/