Noel Fitzpatrick of Channel 4 Supervet fame has been presented with an award by Guinness World Records after performing the world's first double 'bionic' leg implant on a cat.
The procedure, which was carried out on a cat called Oscar in 2009, was also the first time such implants had been placed into a moving joint.
The award was presented to Noel by Craig Glenday, Editor In Chief of Guinness World Records, at the London Pet Show.
Noel said: "The Guinness Book of Records was the first book I ever had, so receiving this award is a real honour! I'm very humbled, you're only as good as your next operation - you only ever think about providing hope to pets and their owners and doing your best. To be able to help them through the toughest times and see pets like Oscar make a full recovery is the most rewarding feeling and I'm thrilled that the work we carry out at Fitzpatrick Referrals has been recognised by Guinness World Records."
The new website explains what Veterinary Specialists are, how they may be able to help, and how the referral process works. The BCVSp says it has been designed to be a useful resource which primary practices can direct their clients to if a referral is being considered.
As well as being able to search for a Specialist by location and by discipline, owners can also read some real life patient case studies following the referral, treatment journeys and outcomes of animals that have benefited from Specialist care and meet some of the Specialists via podcast links.
BCVSp Trustee Celia Marr said: "While most happy healthy animals will never need Specialist veterinary care, if they do we want their owners to know that we are here to help.
"There are many hundreds of Specialists working at the forefront of veterinary care and also those working in research, pathology and academia, helping to advance animal health and welfare, every day. We believe our new website should help to spread the word and make referral more understandable and accessible."
Visit the new website at www.yourvetspecialist.org
According to a report in last weekend's Mail on Sunday, documents leaked from Defra have revealed proposals for a range of measures designed to reduce the risk from dangerous dogs.
The proposals reportedly include:
The first of these looks like being a bit of a non-runner. Aside from the subjective nature of deciding what makes a competent owner, the cost is disproportionate to the size of the problem: 703 convictions for dangerously out of control dogs in 2007. The other two seem long overdue.
RCVS Knowledge has announced the official launch of Veterinary Evidence – a new resource designed to unite practitioners interested in promoting and using the principles of evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) within practice.
Veterinary Evidence – which is supported by the RCVS – represents RCVS Knowledge’s wider mission statement of providing the veterinary community with practice relevant, evidence-based information resources. Papers and publications are now available for use, completely open-access.
Veterinary Evidence aims to become the go-to portal for evidence-based veterinary information, promoting and publishing peer-reviewed papers alongside discussion of EBVM through opinion, clinical and methodological articles.
The site will host a wide range of material – from randomised controlled trials to case studies, Knowledge Summaries and interviews. The content is designed to educate readers in research techniques, responding to the desire amongst many veterinary professionals to become involved in effective practice-based research – including critical appraisal and clinical audit.
Jacqui Molyneux, Chair of the RCVS Knowledge Board of Trustees said: "As a practising veterinary surgeon I, along with many others, recognise the emerging importance of evidence-based veterinary medicine and I believe it will become more and more important as time goes on. We all wish to do the best for our patients but how do we find out what the current ‘best’ is? That’s where this portal will become so useful; collecting and publishing articles that directly help practising vets and nurses to answer that question."
Bradley Viner, the President of the RCVS and a Trustee of RCVS Knowledge, said: "The College was very happy to support our charity partners at RCVS Knowledge in launching this excellent new resource which will be relevant to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in clinical practice. Furthermore, clinical governance is now firmly established as an important principle in the Code of Professional Conducts for both professions and so, by encouraging practitioners to undergo a continuing process of reflection, analysis and improvement, Veterinary Evidence will also be helping them fulfil their professional responsibilities."
Access the full site at: www.veterinaryevidence.org
CPC has announced the opening of a new pet crematorium in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire to meet rising demand.
According to the company, there has been an increase of 12% in individual pet cremations over the last four years, and about half the pets that come to the company from Vets Now are given individual cremations, rather than communal ones. Of the pet owners that contact CPC directly, about a third currently ask for an individual cremation, up from a quarter in 2008.
Jason Cracknell, the General Manager at CPC (pictured right), said: "When I was a child growing up in the country, our pets were buried in the garden. With smaller gardens and greater mobility this is no longer an option for many. Working closely with vets we have seen a considerable increase in owners wanting more knowledge and involvement in how their beloved pet is cared for at the end of its life."
The new Cheltenham Pet Crematorium will have a memorial and wildlife garden designed with the help of year 9 students from the nearby Tewkesbury School. It'll be officially opened at the end of April by farmer and television presenter, Adam Henson.
CPC also offers three levels of pet bereavement training for veterinary practices that use its services:
For more information, visit www.cpccares.com
Animus Surgical has launched Vetlog, a new temperature data logger designed to be used by the veterinary market. Vetlog will enable practices to prove their temperature compliance to the VMD and RCVS Practice Standards Scheme. Steve Beddall of Animus Surgical said: "data loggers can be easily placed in a fridge and then simply attached to a PC to download data in report or chart format". The company claims that the product is easy-to-use, cost-effective and will provide practices with a permanent record of temperature readings from the day practices start using them.
For more information visit http://www.animussurgical.com/ or telephone 01449 775330.
Animalcare has announced the launch of Identichip Ultra, a new slimline microchip with enhanced read range for smaller species.
The new microchip is 1.4mm wide and is inserted with a 15 gauge needle which is 50% slimmer than the needle used with standard microchips. The length of the mini microchip has been increased to 10.3mm to accommodate a longer ferrite rod which boosts the signal to the microchip scanner.
Animalcare says Identichip Ultra has been designed to offer a slimline microchipping solution for small species and breeds with a reduced compromise on read range.
Beverley Campbell, Identichip and Anibase Product Manager said: “We recognised the increasing trend for slimmer microchips and the benefit this offers for small species and breeds. We also know that mini microchips have a reduced read range which could ultimately lead to a microchip not being detected so we wanted to challenge this and bring a solution to the market.
"Identichip Ultra is as slim as the other mini microchips currently being offered but the increased length gives us a read range up to 24% further1. We firmly believe that there is a place for mini microchips in the market and while we have enhanced the read range versus other mini brands we still believe that standard size microchips should be used in larger animals. We would encourage implanters to always choose a microchip size suitable for that particular animal in relation to its size now and when fully grown.”
With compulsory microchipping of dogs due to be introduced in England, Scotland and Wales from April 2016 awareness of microchipping is increasing. However, Animalcare says it still feels there is a lot of education needed to ensure dog owners are prepared for the legislation. For this reason, it has produced a range of promotional materials including leaflets, posters, letter templates and digital stickers.
Identichip Ultra is available in a sterile packed syringe style implanter with a detachable needle for sharps disposal.
For further information speak to your Animalcare Representative.
1Based on a laboratory trial comparing mini microchips (1.4mm x 8.5mm), standard microchips (2.1mm x 12.5mm) and idENTICHIP Ultra (1.4mm x 10.3mm) using three different microchips scanners (RT100-V5, Halo Scanner and idENTICHIP Pocket Reader)
Leucogen is the world’s first recombinant subunit vaccine containing purified p45 FeLV-envelope antigen. Leucofeligen is a fully authorised combination vaccine for FeLV, rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and the feline panleucopaenia virus.
Virbac says that once into the 3 year immunity period for FeLV, cats may be given annual boosters against feline rhinotracheitis calicivirus and panleucopenia in the intervening years with Feligen RCP.
Tara Smith, Product Manager at Virbac UK, said: "This is a great development for Leucogen and Leucofeligen. We’re really excited to show practices the practical benefits that this extended duration of immunity offers, from improving the profitability of pet health plans to adapting the vaccine programme to suit the cat’s needs".
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The range includes:
Fluodrop (the first fluorescein product specifically designed for veterinary use)
Ocryl - an ocular and periocular cleanser that can also be used to reduce and prevent unsightly tear staining
Ocular lubricants (carbomer and hyaluronic acid based)
Clerapliq – a novel molecule to the UK veterinary market that is used to help restore and regenerate the corneal extracellular matrix
The products will be supported with a selection of materials to help vets, nurses and pet owners in the maintenance of corneal health, including diagnosis and treatment guidelines, anatomical guides, posters and client educational and treatment aids to help with compliance.
William Peel MRCVS, product manager at TVM-UK said: "Our Corneal Focus Range is an exciting way to expand on our product portfolio following the successful introduction of our ‘Anti-tox’ range.
"With ‘Anti-tox’ we successfully managed to make vets and nurses lives easier by providing education and materials alongside a great range of products to help when dealing with poisoning cases in practice. We also attempted to make clients more aware of the dangers of poisoning in pets.
"We hope to emulate this approach and success with our Corneal Focus Range – by developing a wealth of materials for vets, nurses and clients to aid them in managing and understanding ophthalmology cases – and by providing quality products."
TVM UK will be showcasing its new products and support services at the London Vet Show (stand P40) this November.
For more information, visit: http://www.tvm-uk.com/
Zoetis unveiled the Centre for Digital Innovation (CDI), it's new centre for creating digital products that enable data-driven decision-making to enhance precision farming and improve animal wellbeing for livestock and pets, at the House of Lords last week.
The company says its target is to create a digital health record for every UK livestock animal to enable data-driven decision-making and precision farming.
One of the first products in the pipeline is a device that provides real-time monitoring of growth and weight gain in a pig herd using non-intrusive visual imaging. It monitors actual growth against predicted growth, recording the number of daily visits to the water and feed station by individual animals. It produces a weight distribution graph and pinpoints both under and over achievers in the growth stakes, recording key dimensions and accurate measurements of the animal’s weight. Data from the device can be processed in seconds and uploaded into a web reporting tool.
Also in the pipeline is an app that can detect and monitor information on a cow's lameness.
Zoetis says it believes that advanced digital solutions could also significantly improve the wellbeing of companion animals. To that end, the company has built a new digital ecosystem for vets that includes a mobile app - PetDialog - to help better connect owners with their pet and vet. The PetDialog app features a Quality of Life assessment produced by NewMetrica from technology developed by the University of Glasgow. Using psychometric methodology, the assessment measures and monitors the quality of life of the dog so that the owner and vet can gain a deeper insight into the animal's health and wellbeing, including the early detection of health issues, managing disease and measuring the impact of treatment. Just as is the case in human medicine, the device will facilitate the remote monitoring of conditions such as blood glucose monitoring for diabetic cats and dogs.
Lord de Mauley, Science Minister, said: "I welcome this new investment which will add great value to UK capability in this area. It builds on the close relationship Zoetis already has with our universities and institutes including many Research and Development collaborations.
"Zoetis's decision to locate the Centre in the UK recognises the strength of our data sciences expertise and commitment to innovation including agricultural and biomedical science."
Ned Flaxman, CDI director (pictured right), said: "We believe that in this particular space, where technologies are advancing rapidly, the need for complimentary strategic partnerships is essential. Through our Alliances group we work actively in establishing the appropriate University and industry collaborations that will enable our CDI specialists to develop together the most comprehensive and valued digital solutions for our animals."
Invicta Animal Health has announced the launch of Ocuvance, a nutritional supplement to support ocular health in dogs and cats.
The company says Ocuvance is formulated to provide an antioxidant complex supporting and maintaining the health of eyes. The tablets contain lutein, a xanthophyll pigment found within the eye. They also contain anthocyanosides derived from bilberry extract to support rhodopsin production. The formulation also contains vitamins C and E, zinc and selenium.
Ocuvance is presented in packs of 30 scored tablets; sufficient for a one month supply for the average sized dog.
Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We are delighted to make Ocuvance available to veterinary surgeons in the UK. A recent veterinary study1 has shown there can be significant ophthalmic benefits of antioxidant supplementation.
We carefully formulated Ocuvance to provide a range of high quality ingredients to maintain normal visual function whilst still being affordable for owners”.
Ocuvance is now available from all veterinary wholesalers.
Reference
The Easy to Give Awards are designed to recognise the commitment made by pharmaceutical companies in making it easier to give prescription-only medications to cats; recognising that medicines which are easier to give make life less stressful for vets, owners and cats alike and ensure better compliance.
Each Easy to Give Award is decided by a feline expert veterinary panel taking into account feedback from their clients. And the winners are ...
These companies will be granted the use of the Easy to Give logo on advertising to the veterinary world. These bring the total number of Easy to Give awards presented, since their inception in 2005, to 39.
International Cat Care also announced the winners of the Cat Friendly Awards, which recognise other products that have made a real difference to cat wellbeing and welfare.
For more details on the work of the charity go to www.icatcare.org.
Gardner Llewlyn Veterinary Recruitment and VetSurgeon.org / VetNurse.co.uk have announced the winners of a competition in which people were invited to nominate nurses for a special thanks for the work they do.
67 entries from veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and pet owners made it onto the shortlist.
Jonathan Lewis from Gardner Llewlyn said: "I know it's a cliche, but it really was very hard to pick an outright winner. In the end, though, we just loved the sheer enthusiasm of Peter Howarth MRCVS's nomination for Louisa Bouchard RVN (pictured right) from the New Era Veterinary Hospital, and thought it takes a very special person to inspire the ringing endorsement of her work."
The team nomination was similarly difficult to pick. However, Stephanie Fursland MRCVS's nomination for the nursing team at The Oval Pet Centre stood out as an example of how a good nursing team can have a really profound effect on other members of the practice team.
A new iPad mini is on its way to Louisa, and a case of champagne is winging its way to The Oval Pet Centre. There was also a draw amongst all the nominators to win another iPad mini, the winner of which was Val Marsh, who nominated Kate Slack RVN from Blacks Veterinary Group.
Arlo Guthrie, Editor of VetSurgeon.org and VetNurse.co.uk said: "We found a lot of the entries really rather moving and whether they came from members of the public or from colleagues in the profession, they all serve to demonstrate the importance - as if anyone needed reminding - of what a good nurse brings to the practice. The nominees should all be very proud.
"We decided that the nominations were too good to keep to ourselves, so we've published them on a publicly visible part of VetNurse (click here), with links back to the nominated practices' websites. Hopefully, it might be a nice thing for any of the nominees to add to their CV, and the links should in time result in these lovely endorsements appearing when people make a relevant search for the practice."
The BSAVA has launched a new guide to help practices navigate compulsory canine microchipping legislation which comes into force on 6th April.
The 18-page guide provides information on all aspects of microchipping, including the differing implications of the legislation across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
It explains exemption certificates that veterinary surgeons may be asked to sign, provides clarity on roles and responsibilities and more details on adverse event reporting, which will become a legal requirement under the new rules.
It also contains advice on when it is required or advisable to scan a dog in order to read the microchip and links to the updated RCVS guidance on microchips, microchipping and animals without microchips.
The guide has been accepted by the VMD and is supported by the RCVS.
The new microchipping legislation is aimed at improving animal welfare, promoting responsible ownership and tackling the illegal puppy trade. It is also hoped compulsory microchipping will improve collection of data on inherited diseases and disease outbreaks.
BSAVA President Tricia Colville (pictured right) said: "The BSAVA supports the permanent identification and registration of all dogs and cats, and other companion animals as appropriate, since the ability to individually identify an animal and trace the owner has the potential to improve animal welfare.
"Responsible pet ownership is at the core of the new legislation so as a profession we need to be clear on our responsibilities and do all we can to inform pet owners. We acknowledge that it may take time for the profession to adapt to the changes but this guide brings clarity and will prove helpful to vet practices across the UK."
The BSAVA is inviting members to report any problems they encounter to the BSAVA's Scientific Policy Officer Sally Everitt -s.everitt@bsava.com. The Association plans a further consultation at the end of the year to discover how the legislation enforcement has been received.
The guide will be available to members from the BSAVA website: www.bsava.com
Following the tragic news earlier this week that VetNurse member Carolyn Laithwaite's husband Brian and fellow sky-diver Emma Bramley were killed in a skydiving accident, a fundraising page has been set up in their name on JustGiving, with the proceeds going towards the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
As many of you will know, Carolyn has been a member of VetNurse.co.uk since it was set up almost a decade ago. At times a controversial figure, she has also been enormously supportive, kind and helpful to a great many VetNurse members over the past ten years. So, I'd like to ask anyone who has benefitted from her help over the years to go and pop a few quid in the kitty.
Actually, I'd like to encourage ALL VetNurse members to go and support this worthy cause. We don't charge you a membership / subscription fee for membership of this site, and it is what it is because of people like Carolyn. So whether you feel like showing your support for her, or the Air Ambulance, or vetnurse.co.uk, please visit http://www.justgiving.com/L8Arrivals now and donate.
In addition, if you'd like to leave a message of support for Carolyn, you can do so here.
A Market Harborough-based practice - Town & Country Veterinary Centre - has announced that it is entering a team into a 10km obstacle course race so gruelling it is called 'The Suffering'.
The Suffering takes place in the grounds of Rockingham Castle, Leicestershire, on Saturday 12 March 2016. It includes more than 25 water, mud and rope-based obstacles.
The Town & Country team, which includes vets, nurses, students and receptionists, hopes to raise £1,000 for Vets for Change, which is fundraising to vaccinate dogs in Africa against rabies.
Michael Lander MRCVS said: "We are big supporters of the work of Vets for Change which is currently fundraising for its next mass vaccination programme in South Africa. The race does sound gruelling and I have done no training as yet although some of my colleagues have been hitting the gym for the past couple of months. We will all pull together on the big day and getting everyone round the course is our goal.
"We'd be very grateful for donations to help us reach our target for Vets for Change which does such fantastic work and have set up a just giving page at https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/townandcountry-veterinarycentre."
The team members are: Sarah Kay Robinson (Receptionist), Chloe Brown (Receptionist), Zara Lander (VN), Katy Kirkham (VN), Kathleen Gamble (VN), Grace Costall (Student VN), Kate Bodley (Small Animal Vet), Michael Lander (Small Animal Vet), Lucinda Ticehurst (Equine Vet).
The RCVS is now accepting applications from veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who wish to serve as members of the RCVS Ethics Review Panel (ERP).
The ERP has been established by the RCVS in order to facilitate access to ethical review for those wishing to undertake practice-based research outside of a university or industry context. The ERP will begin considering research proposals from veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses from 1 August 2016 and the trial will run for a period of one year. The process will be limited to considering research projects involving cats and/or dogs during the trial period, with the possibility of expanding to other species if the trial is extended or made permanent.
The trial came about following a joint working party established by the RCVS and British Veterinary Association which reported on ethical review and found that an increasing amount of clinical research was being conducted by vets based in private practice. One of the key recommendations of the report was that the RCVS should consider establishing a committee for ethical review of practice-based research.
Ahead of the launch of the ERP, the RCVS is currently looking to recruit four veterinary surgeon members and a veterinary nurse member to the Panel to join a lay member and ethicist Chair.
More details about the roles, the function of the ERP and how to apply can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/workforus and www.rcvs.org.uk/ethics. Those who are interested in applying can also email ethics@rcvs.org.uk for an informal discussion. The closing date for applications is 15 April 2016.
Centaur Services has announced a new partnership with VBS Direct which will allow the wholesaler to offer USA-based K-Laser products to its customers for the first time.
According to VBS, the K-Laser range can be used to treat a wide range of conditions. However, the company says most practices choose to buy K-Laser so they can start osteoarthritic pain management clinics and improve post-surgical rehabilitation, often using trained nurses or physiotherapists to run the clinics.
Centaur says K-Laser offers the most advanced Class IV therapy laser platform in the world, with the team of scientists and doctors at K-Laser USA having researched, tested and implemented therapy presets that are categorised anatomically and subdivided by clinical indication. The company claims that during treatment, laser energy is absorbed in water, increasing local circulation and thereby drawing oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This, it says, creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.
Apparently, more than 8,000 US veterinary practices and almost 100 in the UK have invested in Class IV laser therapy.
Colm McGinn from Centaur said: "We're committed to finding innovative products and services for our customers so that we can help them to grow their businesses and succeed together.
"K-Laser, as well as being a revolutionary piece of clinical equipment, is also a fantastic revenue generator for veterinary practices and with our flexible payment options our customers are able to reap the benefits to their businesses very quickly. We appreciate that making capital investment in equipment can be a big decision and we want to fully support our customers in improving the services their practices can offer."
For more information, contact Centaur on 01963 350005 or VBS Direct on 0845 528 0336.
Zoetis has announced the launch of Simparica, a once-monthly oral medication for the treatment of flea, tick and mite infestations in dogs beginning at eight weeks of age.
The company says the new product, which comes in the form of a tasty chewable tablet, acts quickly and provides continuous protection for 35 days without losing efficacy at the end of the month.
Simparica is effective against both Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis flea infestations in dogs.² It starts to kill fleas quickly within three hours³ and continues to kill fleas for at least 35 days², making it suitable as part of a treatment strategy for Flea Allergic Dermatitis.
The product also protects dogs against infestations with the most common ticks found to infest dogs in Europe2,4, including Dermacentor reticulatus, the species associated with the disease babesiosis, which has recently been reported in the UK. It’s also the only treatment for Ixodes hexagonus, one of the most prevalent ticks in the UK. The killing effect against Ixodes ricinus starts within 8 hours after a single oral administration and over 96% are killed within 24 hours.4
Zoetis says Simparica is also effective against Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and Sarcoptes scabiei, and that laboratory evidence shows efficacy for Demodex Canis and Otodectes Cynotis.
Zoetis believes that Simparica’s ability to provide continuous protection up to and beyond the monthly treatment period is very important for pet owners. Sixty three per cent of owners confess to giving flea and tick treatment later than when it was due, with the median being 5 days late.¹ Simparica gives vets and forgetful pet owners the peace of mind of extended duration of activity helping to minimise the potential risk of protection gaps.
Ned Flaxman, companion animal business unit director at Zoetis said: "With Simparica, we bring to the market an advanced parasiticide solution, helping to deliver improved client and pet owner satisfaction. The chewable tablets are easy to administer and readily accepted by dogs. But more importantly, Simparica helps vets and dog owners minimise the potential risk of protection gaps, as it acts very fast to kill fleas and ticks and performs for at least 35 days without losing efficacy — well beyond the monthly treatment period.
"With its rapid onset, robust duration of activity and very good safety profile, Simparica is the only oral isoxazoline indicated for four species of ticks in Europe including Ixodes hexagonus and the two species of fleas, dogs are most frequently infested with. Unlike most treatments, Simparica protects from both types of ectoparasites for the same duration."
For more information please speak to your account manager or contact customer support on 0854 300 8034.
The entertainer Michael Ball yesterday opened the final phase of Fitzpatrick Referrals' new ultra-hi-tech patient ward, which, according to the practice, will elevate animal care to a whole new level in the UK.
The ward boasts bacterial-resistant wipe-down wall coverings and floor surfaces with underground heating, and air conditioning optimised for high efficiency particulate air to minimise the possibility of infection.
Instead of gates or bars, the kennels have reinforced glass doors which permit a wide field of view for the animals and allow them to feel as much at home as possible. Each kennel has a space for medication and notes, and a "quick reference" daily guide is written on the glass door each morning to ensure continuity of care and ease of visibility for all. Each kennel has a radio and many are equipped with televisions to provide auditory and visual stimulation - creating a home from home experience for patients.
The practice says light is an important part of the "care package" offered in the luxury wards, and numerous windows and night time dimmers provide a diurnal rhythm to help comfort anxious animals and help those with separation anxiety to settle. Webcams are easily connected for remote viewing, and each and every patient is checked hourly by the 24 hour care team of ward assistants, fully qualified veterinary nurses, surgical interns, residents and senior clinicians.
Noel Fitzpatrick said: "I've always felt that people who love animals are generally great people, and they absolutely want to know that when their animal friend is away from home, especially if severely ill, that they are receiving round-the-clock care in the best facility imaginable. This in my head does not involve bars, so I have a "no bars" policy. I want the patient to be super-comfortable and not to feel threatened or "in prison", especially when some of them will have severe physical disability."
Michael Ball said: "I saw the Bionic Vet on television but I never thought I would find myself here. Noel has an extraordinary talent for healing and has built an amazing team who truly do care deeply about each and every one of these patients as if they were their own pets. They really do provide an unparalleled level of care. What Fitzpatrick Referrals has managed to do is truly remarkable. When I look at the level of hands-on care and compassion shown by all of team, I'm overwhelmed. I am hugely honoured to be associated with Fitzpatrick Referrals and what this practice stands for. The work which is happening here is benefitting the veterinary world and the human world - it's incredible."
After cutting the ribbon and declaring the new facility officially open, Michael Ball met with Dr Fitzpatrick for the 'see out consultation' for his dog, Freddie, who has been recovering after a major hip operation at the practice.
When resuscitating neonates that are slow to breath, try blowing gently in the direction of their nose & mouth once you have cleared their nasal & oral passages. Carbon dioxide as we all know is a great respiratory stimulant! Tiny puppies or kittens will not need you to connect your mouth to give moutht-to-mouth as their lung capacity is so tiny ( apparently only 2-3 mls in kittens?) - & of course this method should NEVER be used in hypoxic or cyanotic looking neonates - instead ventilate with 100% oxygen! Larger puppies could benefit from gentle mouth-to-mouth.
We all know the state Dogs' head, neck and ears get into during dental work esp with paste, blood and water. A cheap way to keep clean is to use the arm cut off a water proof jacket. Poke the dogs muzzle through the elasticated cuff and pull the rest of the arm over the dogs face, head and neck. It keeps the mess to a minimum by only exposing the mouth and also keeps the head dry and warm yet still allows easy access for monitoring. Saving Ga+nurse time from washing, drying and combing out dental mess!
To stop patients damaging their tails after an op/amputation, save a few vetwrap cardboard rolls or syringes for smaller patients to put over the end so it can protect the area and still allow it to breathe. Heals much quicker and you don't get the dreaded poc where the tail is not healing due to it getting bashed!
The British Veterinary Association and its specialist cattle division the British Cattle Veterinary Association have welcomed today's announcement by Defra that it is strongly minded to include a controlled cull of badgers as a key component of the bovine tuberculosis (TB) eradication plans for England.
The two associations have long supported the need to control TB in both cattle and wildlife, including the need for a targeted, humane cull of badgers in specific parts of the country.
Following a consultation exercise which closed in December 2010, Defra has today announced:
The BVA and BCVA jointly responded to Defra's 2010 consultation to say that the available science supported the case for a badger cull, alongside the need for stricter cattle control measures, in those areas where badgers are regarded as a significant contributor to the persistent presence of TB. The response also emphasised strongly that any cull of badgers had to be done in a humane and effective manner.
The BVA and BCVA say that today's announcement shows Defra has listened closely to their concerns. Through the consultation response the BVA and BCVA raised the issue of the efficacy of an industry-led cull using controlled shooting (as opposed to cage trapping and shooting) and stated firmly that any cull must be monitored for humaneness. Both of these issues have been considered in depth by Defra and appear to have been addressed in the plans.
The associations say they will be looking closely at the detail of the guidance issued today and will be responding to the consultation.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "The BVA and BCVA have long argued for a targeted, humane badger cull to be used alongside stricter cattle controls. We believe that failure to tackle wildlife sources of TB infection has prolonged the presence and enhanced the spread of infection in all affected species populations.
"We recognise that this is a very emotive and difficult decision but we believe that the science supports this policy and we support Defra's commitment to tackling this devastating disease.
"We are particularly pleased that this announcement has not been delayed until after the summer recess, which demonstrates the seriousness of the need to tackle TB."
John Fishwick, President of BCVA, added: "We welcome today's announcement which indicates that a humane and carefully targeted cull of badgers can contribute to the control of this dreadful disease.
"We are particularly pleased that the veterinary profession's concerns that any cull must be humane and well monitored appear to have been listened to and we will now study the proposals in detail.
"An industry-led cull will be an enormous undertaking for everyone involved and it is vital that we get the detail right from the outset; for the sake of cattle, wildlife and industry."
Meanwhile, the RSPCA has expressed its devastation at the announcement.
According to the charity, new research has been published which shows that badger culling can more than double the risk of TB infecting cattle1. High-profile voices such as Sir David Attenborough and government adviser Lord John Krebs have also weighed in, saying a cull could "make the situation worse" and be "ineffective".
David Bowles, Director of Communications for the RSPCA, said: "Today is a black day for badgers - a day we have been dreading.
"At a time when the Welsh government has stepped back from a cull, the government in England is slowly shredding its own animal welfare credentials."
The RSPCA says it agrees that action is needed to combat bovine TB in cattle, but does not think action is synonymous with culling. The charity believes that vaccination of badgers, increased levels of testing, improved biosecurity and stricter controls on the movement of cattle are more effective ways of dealing with the problem in the long-term and eradicating bovine TB in cattle for good.
Colin Booty, senior scientist for the RSPCA, said: "The RSPCA is sympathetic to farmers struggling to cope with the effects of this crippling disease and thinks that the problem of bovine TB in cattle needs a sustainable and effective solution.
"But this is not such a solution. We believe that the government have taken the wrong fork in the road with this risky policy.
"This cull will contribute little or nothing to the long-term goal of eradicating TB nationally. Instead it will wipe out huge numbers of this much-loved species, including many animals which are healthy."
1 The New Medical Research Council study came from Imperial College London and were published in the Royal Society Journal Biology Letters. They were based on analysis of data from the 10-year Randomised Badger Culling Trial set up by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 1998.
The Apple iPad made its UK debut last week. I queued outside the Apple shop for over 15 minutes (well, it was Salisbury, not Regent Street) on launch day to get my hands on one of the first and review it for VetNurse members.
For those that don't have the time for long-winded reviews, I'll come straight to the point: buy one, you won't regret it. Even if you get home and decide you have no use for a tablet computer, you could probably put it on ebay and turn a small profit. But you won't. You'll just keep finding more reasons why the iPad is an indispensable piece of kit.
I won't dwell on the technical specifications of the thing. All you really need to know is that it's a touchscreen tablet computer about the size of a small hardback, though it weighs a little more. I don't know (or care) what sort of chip it contains. Whatever it is, it's more than capable of handling the tasks the iPad is designed to do, effortlessly.
So why is the iPad a 'must have'? Because it transforms the experience of browsing the Internet, reading email etc. from being a bit of a hassle, to being as simple and quick as, er, picking up and opening a book. I think the best way to illustrate my point is to describe the uses I've found for it in the first 4 days of ownership:
BrowsingI wanted to know what's on locally for children this weekend. Normally I'd have to go and power up the computer upstairs. Not anymore. Now I just pick the iPad up off the kitchen table. It wakes instantaneously, and the browser opens at the press of a button. Incidentally, once I'd found the Sherborne Fair, it was only another couple of clicks before it was displayed on the built-in map, along with an estimated time to get there. In my case, it also makes my job easier - I can dip into the VetSurgeon and VetNurse forums much more easily when away from my desk (something I intend to be more of, from now on).
EmailNot much to say, except that once again, it's a pleasure to be able to check my email at the press of a button, rather than having to go upstairs and power up my desktop, or wait whilst my wife's interminably slow laptop gets its act together. No, the touch screen keyboard is not quite as well suited to the task as a normal keyboard. Having said that, I typed half this article on my iPad last night at very nearly the same two-handed speed as I would have on my desktop.
Read the newspaperThe Times is now available on the iPad for £9.99 per month. You just press the download button any time after 7:00am, and a few minutes later it appears on the screen. If you fall into the camp that says: 'it'll-never-catch-on-....-nothing'll-replace-the-feel-of-a-book-or-a-newspaper', I wouldn't have argued with you a week ago. Now I would. The iPad version is beautifully intuitive, and a pleasure to read. Despite a few grumbles (where is The Sunday Times?), I'll be cancelling my print subscription.
PhotographsThis is really the first viable alternative to the traditional print photograph album. And it's not just an alternative, it's a far superior way of storing and retrieving photographs. The iPad's high quality display means your pictures really leap off the screen. Its portability and ease of access mean that you might actually look at your photos and share them with others from time-to-time, rather than leaving them to gather dust in a box, or sit in an unvisited folder on your computer. I'm digitising 20 year's worth of photographs for this reason.
Other uses and appsThe list of software applications for the iPad is growing every day. Meantime, any app designed for the iPhone will also run on the iPad, though they don't make full use of the big screen. There are thousands of rather pointless apps, seemingly designed not to meet a need nobody knew they had. But amongst the rubbish, there are some genuinely useful apps out there:
A couple of minor irritations about the iPad. Currently it doesn't support the rich editing feature used by default when you post to the VetSurgeon forums, or elsewhere on the site. Fortunately, there's a quick workaround, which is to visit your VetSurgeon profile (My Account > Edit My Profile > Display Options tab) and set the Content Editor to 'Plain text'. Also, very occasionally the iPad freezes, at which point you have to press the On/Off and Home buttons together for six seconds to reset. Doubtless both these will be fixed in the next software update, due in the next month or two, I think.
The 'twitterati' has bemoaned the iPad's lack of hardware features and flexibility. There's nowhere to insert a DVD. No camera. No USB port. No card reader. But that rather misses the point. The iPad isn't a replacement for a desktop or laptop unless the only things you use a computer for are browsing and email. Anyone who wants to store and edit video, edit photographs, or create anything other than fairly basic documents or spreadsheets, still needs a bigger machine with USB ports and DVD drives galore. What the iPad does is free you from having to browse electronic media at a desk. And it does so in such user-friendly way that I'll be ordering one for my Mum (aged 62) and my grandmother (aged 92).
There are six models available. Three memory sizes: 16GB, 32GB and 64GB with either wi-fi Internet access, or wi-fi plus 3G mobile phone access. Prices from £429 to about £700 (to which you'll need to add the cost of a protective wallet). I plumped for the 64GB memory (probably overkill), wi-fi only model, on the basis that there are enough BT Openzone wi-fi hotspots now to mean I'll never be far from one.
I'm not normally one for hyperbole. But in this case, I'll forgive Mr. Jobs calling the iPad 'a magical and revolutionary product'.
It is.