Ben trained in medicine at Oxford and London before becoming a household name through his weekly Bad Science column published in the Guardian between 2003 and 2011.
Ben is the author of three books. His first, Bad Science, published in 2008, sold over half a million copies worldwide and is published in 31 languages. His second, Bad Pharma: How Drug Companies Mislead Doctors and Harm Patients was published in 2012 and his third, a volume of collected journalism entitled I think you’ll find it’s more complicated than that, in 2014. He currently works as an academic in epidemiology.
In his lecture, Ben will be talking about how quacks and charlatans misuse evidence, and the placebo effect, to bamboozle the public. It's an issue of particular interest for the veterinary profession, given the growing focus on evidence-based medicine.
The lecture is open to all London Vet Show attendees and will take place in the BVA Congress Theatre at London’s ExCeL between 12.30 – 1.30 on Friday 17 November.
BVA President Gudrun Ravetz said: "We know that many people’s first point of call is the media or Dr Google when trying to decide what pet to purchase or how to treat their animal’s - or their own - health! So, I’m sure veterinary colleagues from all areas of the profession will find Dr Goldacre’s insight both engaging and inspiring in their day-to-day and working lives."
Other BVA Congress sessions at London Vet Show 2017 include Nudge, nudge – how can we change owner behaviour for better welfare?; Veterinary workforce crisis: what’s really going on? and Veterinary Surgeons Act: an open and shut case?. BVA Congress sessions as well as associated BVA Farm Animal, BVA/BEVA Equine, and BVA Career Development Streams count towards CPD.
BVA members can get access to the full BVA offering, as well as the usual London Vet Show programme, for 15% less than the lowest advertised price. To book, enter your BVA membership number and the code BVA 8 to claim your discount when you book online at www.londonvetshow.co.uk
Photo: John King 2012
Matt, who contracted Lyme disease early last year, has been out giving interviews about how he was bitten by a tick, his experience with Lyme disease and why he is supporting the Big Tick Project. He said: "It was a really scary time for me and my family, and I was shocked to find out that a tick bite in Chiswick – such a tiny creature – caused me to end up needing heart surgery. Even though I am free from Lyme disease now it really has impacted me. I still have to take daily medication and I now adjust my lifestyle in a number of ways."
Amanda Melvin, Marketing Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "This recent campaign is part of a series of high profile media campaigns that we’ve organised to help pet owners understand the risks posed by ticks and the importance of seeking advice from vets. Vet are central to this campagn.
"During our attendance this summer at DogFest and Countryfile Live we asked pet owners about their awareness of the risks. While this was very rough data the message that came back consistently was that many pet owners didn’t realise that not all flea treatments could also provide protection against ticks.
"We are therefore urging them to talk to their vet and vet nurses to better understand the treatments they are paying for. The conversation is important as the risks can be high."
For further information, visit: www.bigtickproject.co.uk
Dr Sabela Atencia DVM MVM Dip-ECVIM CA MRCVS is an internal medicine specialist who holds the European Diploma in Small Animal Internal Medicine.
During her research for her Masters degree on muscular dystrophy in the Japanese Spitz breed, she contributed to knowledge of the underlying mutation of the disease, facilitating the development of a genetic test.
Sabela enjoys all aspects of canine and feline Internal Medicine, but is particularly interested in endoscopy, endocrinology and genetics.
Dr Owen Davies MA VetMB MVetMed MANZCVS(SAM) MRCVS, a veterinary medical oncology clinician, holds a Masters degree based on research into canine lymphoma.
Owen is interested in all aspects of medical oncology, especially haematopoietic malignancies, targeted therapy for cancer and paraneoplastic disease. He has recently completed a residency in veterinary oncology at the Royal Veterinary College and has just passed the DACVIM examinations in Oncology.
Dr Elisabetta Mancinelli DVM CertZooMed Dipl ECZM (Small Mammal) MRCVS is a European Veterinary Specialist in Zoological Medicine (Small Mammal Medicine and Surgery) and an RCVS Recognised Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
She was the first veterinary surgeon to undertake the European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) Residency in Small Mammal Medicine, which she completed at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh.
Elisabetta will lead and further expand the established exotic pet service at the Hospital.
Acting Hospital Director, Professor Stuart Carmichael said: "As we continue to extend the range of services and expertise we offer to our clients, we are delighted to welcome these three distinguished professionals to the team here at Highcroft. They will make a great contribution and it’s great to have them aboard."
Highcroft Veterinary Referrals is based at 615 Wells Road, Whitchurch, Bristol and can be contacted on 01275 832410.
Photo: Left to right: Dr Elisabetta Mancinelli, Dr Owen Davies, Dr Sabela Atencia
Membership is free and gives veterinary nurses access to the monthly online Feline Focus journal and a monthly webinar which can be watched live or viewed as a recording.
Internationally known authors and speakers contribute to both the webinars and the journal.
Articles in the journal range from 'Back to Basics' to 'State of the Art' topics – written or presented especially for veterinary nurses and technicians.
The 34 webinars delivered so far have been watched over 33,000 times.
ISFM says veterinary nurses are vital to good cat care and their knowledge and enthusiasm can help to develop cat awareness and friendliness in clinics; many have been instrumental in helping their clinic achieve Cat Friendly Clinic status and many have commented that the knowledge they have gained has given them confidence in dealing with cats and in helping clients.
Sam Taylor, editor of Feline Focus and Director of ISFM’s nursing distance education courses and webinars said: "When we launched the ISFM nurse and technician membership in late 2014, our aim was to provide high quality CPD materials to nurses and technicians online, to further their knowledge of all things cats. I am extremely proud that we have a community of 10,000 nurses and technicians who enjoy reading our journal and watching our webinars. The enthusiasm our members have for learning, and the passion they show for cats in their care is inspiring and I hope we can gain another 10,000 members in the next 3 years!"
To sign up for free ISFM Nurse and Technician membership, visit: https://icatcare.org/nurses/membership
The acquisition takes the combined number of sites in the Linnaeus Group to 57.
Brendan Robinson, Village Vet director, said: "When looking for investment, there were a number of options open to us, however, we wanted to ensure we partnered with a group which had the same ethos and ethics as ourselves, who are dedicated to providing an excellent all-round service.
"Having chosen Linnaeus, we look forward to the partnership providing great opportunities for collaborating in CPD, sharing best practice, forming relationships with Specialists and other teams within the group, as well as being part of a bigger family."
Lynne Hill, chief executive of the Linnaeus Group (pictured right), said: "Both Village Vet and its referral centre, London Vet Specialists, will be very welcome additions to the Linnaeus team and complement our existing practices, especially those located in the South East.
"All three existing Village Vet directors will be continuing with the practice and remain committed to its success, working alongside the Linnaeus Group."
For more information about the Linnaeus Group, visit www.linnaeusgroup.co.uk.
Betafuse contains 5mg/g fusidic acid and 1mg/g betamethasone gel. It is available in 15g and 30g polyfoil tubes, designed to reduce the likelihood of splitting and loss of product during use.
Richard Palmer, Global Head of Sales and Marketing at Norbrook said: "We are delighted to be bringing this new product to the market in 16 European countries including the UK and Ireland. Betafuse is particularly exciting for us as we have improved the packaging and we have extended the 'in use' shelf life to eight weeks in comparison to six weeks for the pharmaceutically equivalent pioneer.
"This continued investment in our companion animal portfolio comes on the back of our recent launch in the US of Carprofen Chewable Tablets, an anti-inflammatory also for dogs. Our £40 million multi-year investment programme which we are currently engaged in, includes a significant emphasis on new product development including investment in R&D and our facilities infrastructure."
Lizzie Barnard, UK Product Manager added: "Betafuse offers the prescribing veterinary surgeon greater choice and it complements our existing companion animal skin care portfolio which includes Marbodex, a treatment for otitis externa in dogs.
"“Product support material is available and includes a guide for dog owners on how to apply Betafuse simply and effectively. This leaflet is available by contacting your territory manager or by downloading it from our website."
For more information, visit: https://www.norbrook.com/
In the piece, which starts at 1:22:54 here, Gudrun explained that what is seen as “normal” and cute for these dogs, such as snorting and snuffling, is in reality a result of debilitating respiratory problems caused by the squashed faces that have made them so fashionable.
Today also highlighted the fact that flat-faced breeds have experienced a huge boom in popularity recently, driven by celebrity owners, advertising and the media. According to the Kennel Club, the French bulldog is set to knock the labrador off its perch as the UK's most popular breed.
Following the interview Gudrun said: "We shouldn’t be buying and breeding dogs on the way we want them to look - it should always be about prioritising welfare above appearance.
"These are breeds that can suffer just by walking around or eating, which is why we’re calling on the media and advertisers to stop using them in their adverts.
"It is also difficult to turn on the TV, check Instagram or see a celebrity photo without also seeing a brachycephalic breed so it’s not surprising that demand for these dogs is rising."
Gudrun urged anyone thinking about buying a brachycephalic breed to talk to their local vet and think about choosing a healthier breed or crossbreed instead.
The survey was carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), which sent it to 5,572 veterinary surgeons who graduated from a vet school in the EU (excluding the UK) and who are registered as veterinary surgeons in this country, as well as around 100 non-UK EU-trained veterinary nurses.
The survey asked a range of questions about how these individuals felt that the vote to leave the EU had affected them, how they felt about their future working in the UK veterinary sector and how they felt the College had dealt with the issue of Brexit.
3,078 people (including 19 veterinary nurses) responded to the survey – a response rate of 55.3%. The average age of the respondents was 36. 60% were female and 87% were working full-time.
The largest group of respondents (22%) qualified in Spain. 14% qualified in Italy, 10% in Poland, 9% in Romania, 7% in Portugal, 6% in Germany and 6% in the Republic of Ireland.
The remaining 26% qualified in 18 different countries, each of which accounted for fewer than 5% of EU registrants. Although these figures relate to country of qualification and not the nationality of the individuals, in 91% of cases these were the same.
The majority of respondents (78%) worked in clinical practice. Of the 603 who did not work in clinical practice, 38% worked for the Food Standards Agency, 21% worked for the Animal and Plant Health Agency and 18% worked in higher education.
The main findings of the survey were:
RCVS President Chris Tufnell said: "This survey makes the strongest possible case that the Government must act fast to reassure our EU colleagues in practices, universities and industry that they are welcome to stay in the UK.
"EU vets and vet nurses make a massive contribution to the UK veterinary sector and the health and welfare of animals and humans.
"Beyond this commitment we will also be lobbying the Government that, after we leave the EU, suitably qualified vets from overseas are prioritised for UK work visas or equivalent, particularly if they are working in public health and the meat industry.
"I have written to Michael Gove, the new Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, outlining our position and our Brexit Principles and have invited him to visit the RCVS at Belgravia House to discuss these further. I hope that he accepts our offer so that we can have some constructive talks on these matters.
"On a personal note, I am very sorry to see that a significant proportion of respondents had experienced prejudice at work. This is simply not acceptable and we, as a regulator, have been conscious that ‘anti-foreigner’ rhetoric in the country at large could have an effect on hard-working and talented members of our profession, which is why we raised the matter in our letter to the Prime Minister last year."
The findings of interviews with a sample of non-UK EU-graduated veterinary surgeons working in the UK will be published over the summer. Meanwhile, over the next two years, IES will also be carrying out two further pieces of research that will track the opinions and intentions of non-UK EU-graduated veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses over time as Brexit policies are formed and the future status of non-UK nationals made clearer.
To read the IES report and the College’s three Brexit Principles in full, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/brexit
The award recognises the dedication of the country’s veterinary nurses and their invaluable support to their veterinary teams, the nation’s pets and their owners. The award recognises vet nurses who not only care for sick and injured pets but also encourage responsible pet ownership and improve pet welfare in their community.
This year the awards will be presented at the BVNA Annual Congress which takes place from 6-8 October at Telford International Centre in Shropshire.
Last year's award was won by Samantha Shand, a veterinary nurse at Quarrington Veterinary Surgery in Sleaford, Lincolnshire. She was nominated for her contribution "above and beyond her role, both for her commitments to charitable work and education."
David Catlow, Blue Cross Director of Veterinary Clinical Services said: "Blue Cross gives this annual award to recognise the commitment of vet nurses across the UK who work tirelessly to improve the lives of our pets. We are looking for vet nurses who really go that extra mile to support pet owners and have a significant impact on animal welfare in their region."
Nominations are sought from pet owners, and can be submitted at:www.bluecross.org.uk/BVNA2017 (deadline Friday 8 September 2017).
A survey carried out by the company in 20151 found that 46% of dog owners were not aware that dogs can potentially suffer from the condition, despite the fact that it affects an estimated 375,000 dogs in the UK.3
The company says ocular conditions account for around one in ten canine consultations in first opinion practice,2 with KCS affecting around 5% of all dogs3, and up to 20% of predisposed breeds.4
To help raise owner awareness, Bayer will be holding the first veterinary Dry Eye Awareness Month in July.
Because early diagnosis and treatment can have a significant impact on prognosis, the focus of the campaign will be on encouraging pet owners to speak to their veterinary surgeon in the hope of increasing early diagnoses and improving the uptake of regular testing of at-risk breeds.
The campaign will include a dedicated social media element, targeting communities of at-risk breeds by inviting them to pledge their commitment to managing dry eye in their pet. A range of practice materials have also been produced for practices to support the drive in their waiting room.
Hannah Watts, Group Product Manager at Bayer said: "With this significant gap in owner understanding of the significance of KCS in dogs, it was clear that more is needed to be done to encourage owners of at-risk breeds to visit their vet practice for early diagnosis.
"The focus of Dry Eye Awareness Month is to support vets in championing the issue amongst their client base, through a range of educational materials. We hope vets will join us in utilising the month as a platform on which to discuss the prevalence and potential seriousness of the condition if left unmanaged."
Bayer’s research also found how poor understanding of the lifelong nature of the condition is one of the main barriers to owner compliance when managing cases, further highlighting the need for education.5
Chris Dixon, Director at Veterinary Vision Ophthalmic Referrals, said: "KCS cases can present acutely, or with subtle clinical signs that will not be detected from initial observations and require a Schirmer tear test to effectively quantify the reflex tear film production. Unless vets are actively discussing the condition with owners, and performing these tests on a regular basis, it is likely that many dogs could remain undiagnosed."
"In any case where ongoing treatment is required, client education is key in successful disease management. Accurate determination of the cause of the KCS will allow for an appropriate choice of medical therapy. When adjunctive tear replacement therapy is required, many owners will admit to not having the time to administer treatments frequently enough, which should factor into the recommendations we make as practitioners. For example, offering a longer acting product which requires less frequent application.”
You can download the Remend ‘Vision Matters – A Focus on Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca’ educational guide here: www.remend.co.uk/vets-area.
Dry Eye Awareness Month practice display materials can be ordered from your Bayer Territory Manager or email: ahmarketing@bayer.com
References
Running in July, the campaign aims to raise awareness of hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs, educate pet owners to spot the symptoms and thereby encourage early diagnosis.
As part of the campaign, MSD Animal Health hopes to increase the number of pets being taken to their veterinary practice for diagnosis, as well as increasing return visits and treatment compliance in the long term.
Practices supporting Pet Thyroid Month will be supplied with resources to help them educate pet owners about the two conditions.
Caroline Darouj, product manager at MSD Animal Health, said: "Although hyperthyroidism in cats and hypothyroidism in dogs are well known conditions and diagnosis is generally straightforward, a large number of vets in Europe state that both disorders are under-diagnosed, due to the fact that pet owners don’t recognise the signs.
"We wanted to launch our Thyroid Month campaign to encourage pet owners to spot the early symptoms of thyroid issues in their pets and seek advice from their veterinary practices.
"Our aim is also to benefit and educate vets and vet nurses with regard to the use of Leventa and Vidalta in treating these manageable conditions in both dogs and cats."
To find out more about Pet Thyroid Month, visit www.vidalta.co.uk
Last year’s competition saw photographs span a range of subjects from across the UK and overseas, from a common basilisk in Costa Rica and cattle during a TB testing day on the island of Arran, to a meerkat undergoing a vasectomy and a veterinary podiatrist at work.
Small animal vet Mandy Knight’s photo 'Happy Gastrotomy' and mixed-practice vet Jen Rowland’s photo of rare and native North Ronaldsay and Dartmoor sheep grazing under the milky way in Northumberland took the top prizes in their respective categories.
In January this year, the BVA was also invited to showcase 22 of the most commended photographs at an exhibition in the Houses of Parliament, to give MPs and Peers an insight into the varied roles performed by veterinary surgeons today.
This year’s competition, which is open to all BVA members, seeks images that highlight the human-animal bond within a veterinary practice as well as photographs of pets or wildlife taken outside of the working environment. Submissions should promote responsible animal interaction as well positive animal health and welfare.
Photographs can be submitted under one of two categories:
Human-animal bond
All creatures great and small
An expert panel of judges from the veterinary and photography worlds will judge this year’s entries. For the first time, BVA members will get the chance to select their favourite entry for the Members’ Choice Award, which will be open to votes from 27 August to 10 September.
The winner in each category will receive a £250 John Lewis gift voucher and have their photographs displayed at BVA Members’ Day in September, at other BVA events and used in BVA communications.
BVA President John Fishwick said: "The photo competition has created quite a buzz within the veterinary community since it launched two years ago. I have been delighted and amazed by the sheer range, quantity and quality of photographs submitted by our members so far and look forward to this year’s submissions.
"We are all passionate about animal health and welfare, so the way we interact with and capture images of the animal world offers a unique perspective, one that we were proud to showcase to members of parliament earlier this year. Whether you enjoy taking photos on your phone or have all the latest photography equipment, I would encourage all my colleagues within the veterinary family to give it a go and get clicking."
The competition closes at midnight on 19 August. More details about the competition, including terms and conditions, can be found at the BVA Photo Competition page: https://www.bva.co.uk/news-campaigns-and-policy/bva-photo-competition/
The full gallery of BVA Veterinary photographer of the year competition entries from 2016 and 2017 can be seen at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/britishvets/albums/
Photo: 'Happy Enterotomy' © Mandy Knight. CC BY-SA 2.0.
From October 2020 it will be mandatory for all owners to microchip their horses, ponies and donkeys, or face a fine of up to £200. The new Central Equine Database will then allow local authorities and police to track down the owners of dumped horses and make sure they are punished. It will also mean lost or stolen horses will be reunited with their owners more easily.
Lord Gardiner, Animal Welfare Minister, said: "The government shares the British public’s high regard for animal welfare and it is completely unacceptable that hundreds of horses and ponies are left abandoned every year by irresponsible owners.
"That is why we have today laid new regulations in Parliament requiring horses to be microchipped. This will bolster the ability of local authorities and police to identify abandoned animals, ensuring these beautiful creatures receive the care they deserve and that those who mistreat them will face the consequences."
The BVA has welcomed the move as an important step forward for horse welfare and the integrity of the UK food chain.
British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said: "We welcome this announcement to extend compulsory microchipping and believe that the measures represent an important step forward for horse welfare and the integrity of the UK food chain. The one-off cost of microchipping a horse is minimal while the animal welfare benefits in terms of being able to identify lost, stolen, abandoned or fly grazing horses, and identify horses in the face of disease outbreak, as well as the benefits to the integrity of food chain safety, are enormous.
"Universal microchipping of domesticated horses ensures that the legislation has value, the cost of implementing the new Central Equine Database (CED) is not wasted, and that food safety is protected. Together these measures will protect horses, ponies and donkeys from irresponsible owners, help loving owners to be reunited with their animals and keep the food chain free from potentially contaminated horse meat."
The regulations for the database were laid in Parliament today and, subject to parliamentary approval, will come into force on 1 October 2018.
NEV was first identified in 2013 by veterinary surgeon Dr Isabel Fidalgo Carvalho, who went on to found Equigerminal to develop a commercially viable NEV diagnostic test that can be used by veterinary surgeons, vet labs and horse owners.
Isabel says that NEV - the equine equivalent of HIV - is often misdiagnosed or hidden by other diseases that induce similar symptoms, like anaemia and neurological issues in horses. It is most commonly confused with the Swamp Fever virus (EIAV) and Equine Herpesviruses (EHV).
Indeed, when they tested a number of horses with anaemia, Equigerminal researchers first believed they had found the presence of a divergent strain of the Swamp Fever Virus (EIAV) - because the horses cross reacted with EIAV, but were negative in the official tests. Subsequent research found they were actually suffering from NEV.
Equigerminal says it is believed that NEV is present in up to 10% of horses. Isabel said: "We did test 213 samples from Ireland and found 7% of positive samples for NEV. These Irish horses were horses that usually travel to UK and other locations for sports events."
For the new test, a veterinary surgeon needs to take a blood sample which is sent to the Equigerminal lab.
Isabel says treatment is currently targeted towards improving the general well-being of the horse, health monitoring, and boosting the animal’s immune system. The next stage is to find a treatment, and ideally a cure for NEV. Meantime, Isabel said: “We now need to raise awareness of the problem and help vets to diagnose this disease correctly.”
The hearing proceeded in Ms Kay’s absence as she failed to attend. The Committee heard a number of charges relating to her practising while under the influence of alcohol, breaching undertakings to the College to abstain completely from alcohol, alleged serious clinical failings in relation to the treatment of two dogs, Izzy and Alfie, and making disparaging remarks to a client about other veterinary surgeons (the complete list of charges can be found on the College’s website: www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/).
In relation to the first charge, (that in September 2016, while a locum veterinary surgeon at Haven Veterinary Surgeons Group, Great Yarmouth, she was under the influence of alcohol), the Committee heard from a veterinary nurse at the practice who told how on different occasions Miss Kay had appeared to need more assistance than expected, was overly friendly in speaking to clients, was unable to prepare a syringe correctly, and finally, on 14 September 2016, was found asleep in the car with an open can of alcohol by her feet. The Committee also heard from a number of other witnesses from the Haven Veterinary Surgeons Group who also provided evidence of Ms Kay’s behaviour on the day in question. Following deliberations, the Committee found the first charge to be proved.
The second charge related to the breaching of undertakings which Ms Kay had given to the College to the effect that she would abstain completely from alcohol. When samples were taken on 3 August 2017, however, it was found that she had been consuming alcohol in the recent past. The Committee was therefore satisfied that the second charge was proved.
The Committee then turned to the third charge, that in March 2017 Ms Kay had displayed a number of clinical failings when performing surgery on a cocker spaniel, Izzy, belonging to Mrs Debbie Coe. The Committee found the majority of the charges proved, amongst others that she failed to obtain informed consent for surgery, performed surgery in her own home when it was not registered as a veterinary practice and it was not possible to ensure sterility, and that she failed to provide suitable post-operative analgesia to Izzy.
The College then turned to the fourth charge, which concerned her treatment of Mrs Coe’s other dog, Alfie, a Miniature Schnauzer. The charge was that in March 2017, Ms Kay euthanased Alfie in an inappropriate manner, and used a controlled drug without having a registered veterinary premise from which to dispense it. After hearing from an expert witness the Committee found the charges proved.
Finally, the Committee heard evidence relating to the fifth charge, namely that in or around July 2016, Ms Kay made disparaging remarks to Mrs Coe about other veterinary surgeons who had treated Alfie, and that between 17 March and 31 March 2017 she had sent inappropriate texts and voicemail messages to Mrs Coe about the treatment of her dogs and payments owed in relation to this. The Committee thought there was not enough evidence in relation to the voicemails, but found the remainder of the charge proved.
Taking all into account, the Committee found that Ms Kay’s conduct had fallen far short of the standard expected of a member of the veterinary profession and concluded that her conduct clearly amounts to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
Alistair Barr, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee considered that the only appropriate sanction is that of removal from the Register. Such a sanction is required to protect animals and to send a clear message to the Respondent, and to all veterinary surgeons, of the unacceptability of the conduct identified in this case. Such conduct undermines public confidence in the profession and fails to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.
"Accordingly, the Committee has decided that removal from the Register is the only appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case."
Ms Kay has 28 days from being informed about the Disciplinary Committee’s decision to make an appeal to the Privy Council.
The proposed framework has grown out of the VN Futures research project, run jointly with the BVNA, which identified developing a structured and rewarding career path for veterinary nurses as one of the key demands of the profession.
It has been developed by the VN Futures Post-Registration Development Group in conjunction with the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Education Committee and Veterinary Nurses Council.
The College says the proposed framework is designed to provide accessible, flexible and professionally relevant post-registration awards for veterinary nurses in order to provide an enhanced level of veterinary nursing practice, while also providing specific modules that veterinary nurses at all career levels can study independently for their continuing professional development (CPD).
Julie Dugmore, Director of Veterinary Nursing at the RCVS, said: "One of the strongest messages that came out of the research we conducted with the British Veterinary Nursing Association prior to the publication of the VN Futures Report was that there was a need for a more structured and rewarding career path for veterinary nurses.
"Throughout the VN Futures roadshow events nurses felt they were often entering a career cul-de-sac after a certain amount of time in practice and so the need for further post-registration qualifications which promote excellence and recognise advanced knowledge, skills, competency and experience in designated areas were strongly expressed.
"We have taken this feedback and developed it into a comprehensive framework for two defined post-registration qualifications and are very interested in hearing what both veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons have to say about all aspects of what we are proposing.
"Once we have collated the responses, we will incorporate the feedback into the framework for further consideration by the relevant committees and VN Council. The eventual aim is that these qualifications will, once sufficiently bedded in, lead to the development of an Advanced Veterinary Nurse status so that members of the VN profession with the sufficient skills and experience will get the recognition they truly deserve."
The two new qualifications included in the framework are a Graduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing and a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Nursing. Details of the courses’ structure, candidate assessment criteria, accreditation standards, student support, candidate eligibility rules, the RCVS enrolment process and the procedures for certification will be set out in a framework document as part of the consultation process.
The document also includes a prospective list of designations for the two courses covering areas of advanced veterinary nursing knowledge such as wellness and preventative health; rehabilitation and physiotherapy; anaesthesia and analgesia; triage, critical care and emergency nursing; pharmacology; animal welfare; education and teaching; management and leadership; research; and, dentistry.
The consultation will be launched in early July with an email sent to all veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons containing a link to the survey and asking for their views on the proposals. Details of the consultation, once launched, may also be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations
The VN Futures Report is available to download from www.vetfutures.org.uk/vnfutures
The original survey was sent last year to more than 5,000 UK-registered veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses who gained their qualification from a non-UK EU institution, with a response rate of around 55%.
This year the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), on behalf of the RCVS, contacted over 6,000 veterinary surgeons and almost 50 veterinary nurses – including those previously surveyed as well as EU registrants who have joined since the last survey – who trained in non-UK EU countries to seek their views on the implications of Brexit for European veterinary professionals.
Chris Tufnell, RCVS Senior Vice-President and Chair of the College’s Brexit Taskforce, said: "The aim of this survey is to gain a greater understanding of the views and expectations of our EU colleagues now that certain elements of the UK’s withdrawal process from the European Union, as well as the timing, have become clearer. The survey will also be looking for the views of colleagues on how the College has addressed the challenges of Brexit so far.
"It is particularly important that those who responded to last year’s survey do so this year because the aim is to get a sense of how their views and plans are shifting as the Brexit process moves forward."
As with last year’s survey, the views collated through the consultation will help the College understand the immediate and longer-term impact of the UK’s exit from the EU, gather evidence that could be used to make a case for special treatment of veterinary professionals with regard to future immigration policies and allow the College to provide informed advice to European veterinary professionals as they make decisions about their future careers.
Dr Tufnell added: "I would strongly encourage EU veterinary professionals to respond to this survey, even if they didn’t do so last year, as their views really do matter to us and really do have an impact on our Brexit policies and the views we put forward to the government in these critical times."
The deadline for sending responses to the IES is Wednesday 18 July 2018 and all data will be managed and analysed by IES, an independent not-for-profit research institute, on a confidential basis with no individual responses being seen by the RCVS.
The College says it intends to conduct a third survey when the terms of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, and the impact of this on non-UK EU nationals, are better defined.
For the study1, which was carried out by Professor Stephen May and Dr Liz Armitage Chan, Senior Lecture in Veterinary Education (pictured right) at the Royal Veterinary College, twelve new grads were enrolled in a private social media discussion group, and their identities investigated through narrative inquiry.
The authors found that participants typically adopted one of two professional identities: the academic identity or a broader 'challenge-focused' identity.
Those who identify as academic prioritise and place greatest value on things like definitive diagnosis and best-evidence treatment.
The problem, say the authors, is that although there are opportunities for this, they are rare in general practice, where a veterinary surgeon's typical work environment more frequently involves seeing lots of clients who aren’t interested in a diagnostic work-up for unnoticed issues in their pets; who can’t afford further treatment; have pets with conditions that don’t require treatment; and themselves need emotional support.
Vets who therefore exclusively value patient diagnosis from an academic viewpoint foremost are therefore more likely to feel career dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, the other professional identity type is one where a sense of achievement is linked to overcoming the full range of professional challenges thrown up by the work environment in which vets typically operate as well as their technical competence at their job. These vets are therefore more suited to work in all types of practice.
Liz said: "The negative impact on wellbeing of an identity emphasising diagnosis and treatment was a surprising outcome, but it is easy to see how this identity develops. So much of veterinary education is focused on this area and it has always been the focus of students’ exams: if a student is ambitious and wants to achieve top grades and high-level faculty recommendations, they will inevitably prioritise their attention in this way."
The authors say the research has important implications for veterinary and other clinical degree programmes, and has already influenced the structure of the curriculum at the RVC to ensure students are well prepared for the veterinary workplace and can make an informed choice about where they choose to work.
Liz added: "Now we recognise the detrimental effect this can have on our graduates’ wellbeing, we have implemented changes to our curriculum and exams, so students are encouraged to think more holistically about the veterinary role and identify the different ways career satisfaction can be achieved. It is important to recognise that all the graduates experienced stress as they encountered complex contextual challenges, but for those who saw these challenges as part of their identity, this stress turned into a sense of satisfaction at a challenge overcome, rather than being ongoing and debilitating."
Reference
Sam Joseph, co-founder of StreetVet said: "It is especially important for the dogs belonging to the homeless and vulnerably housed to be microchipped and not just because it is now a legal requirement, a registered microchip is often the only way for them to provide evidence of keepership."
We are so grateful to Animalcare for providing StreetVet with identichip microchips as we are now able to ensure that all the dogs that we treat are chipped and registered to their owners. Animalcare will also allow free, life-long change of address for microchips implanted by StreetVet meaning the homeless owners can easily change the registration details if they are able to find accommodation or if they move again in the future. This amazing support will give real peace of mind to the owners of the dogs we treat."
James Beaumont from Animalcare Ltd: "Animalcare provides the UK’s most advanced pet microchipping service through identichip, which has led the way for nearly 30 years. I’m pleased that Animalcare can support such a worthy cause, and hope this is the start of a long relationship with StreetVet."
Photo: Jade Statt of StreetVet and James Beaumont of Animalcare Ltd at BSAVA Congress.
The awards were set up to give recognition to animals and humans alike for the amazing things that they do for each other.
Tree of Life For Animals, which runs a veterinary hospital and rescue centre in Rajasthan, Northern India, has been shortlisted in the ‘UK Charity of the Year’ Category from a selection process that saw over 500 hundred nominations.
Awards founder Mary Burgess said: "I created the awards to give recognition to those that truly deserve it for their work with animals, and also to give animals recognition for the things they do for humans. We can’t wait to celebrate with the amazing TOLFA animal charity at the ceremony."
The awards ceremony takes place on Saturday 3rd November at the Mandolay Hotel, Guildford. The judging panel includes chairman of the Badger Trust Dominic Dyer, Lisa Baldock MBE & IAPWA founder Nicky Stevens and other industry experts.
To learn more about the Animal Star Awards and to buy tickets visit www.animalstarawards.com.
To find out more about Tree of Life For Animals, visit www.tolfa.org.uk
Photo: Rachel Wright
iRecall Consent Management falls into two parts: an initial three staged campaign to gain clients' consent before the 25th May deadline, then ongoing maintenance of the database, managing existing clients' communication preferences and gaining consent for new clients.
Thereafter, iRecall will cross reference consent and communication preferences for any iRecall-powered outbound marketing communication for a practice.
Practice-branded client consent requests are created in real time using live practice data and are personalised for each individual client and their pets.
Consent Management uses the company's SMARTdelivery technology to maximise response rates: first selecting the best delivery method (SMS, email or letter) for each client, based on current information in the practice management system. If a message fails to send because of an invalid number or email address, Consent Management automatically selects the next delivery method.
iRecall says Consent Management already interfaces with the six leading practice management systems, and can interface with any system on request.
Jamie Crittall, Director of Virtual Recall and himself a practice owner said: "Practices need to stop thinking that GDPR is a burden but see it as opportunity to forge stronger relationships with their clients and helping them to keep their pets healthy. Practices who treat their clients’ personal data with the same care that they show their pets will be rewarded with greater trust and loyalty, ensuring the future success of their business. Furthermore, it’s the perfect opportunity for practices to re-engage with previously lapsed clients to make them active and loyal once more - a massive value add."
For more information, visit: http://www.virtualrecall.com/
The 18,000 sq ft centre's facilities include a £1 million imaging suite with state-of-the-art MRI and CT scanners, five operating theatres and extensive kennelling facilities and cat wards. It is also equipped with fluoroscopy equipment with additional mobile C-arm, mobile digital radiography, a Phaco machine and Mindray WATO anaesthetic equipment.
A total of up to 80 staff will be employed at Paragon, including up to 18 referral veterinary surgeons and 32 nurses. Treatment will include ophthalmology, orthopaedics, soft tissue surgery, cardiology, neurology, medicine, oncology and dermatology.
The centre, which is part of Dewsbury-based Calder Vets, which has 12 practices across Yorkshire, is being led by managing director Ian Monteith and clinical director Adam Bell.
Adam said: "The opening of Paragon is the culmination of an 18-month project to bring the very best quality referral veterinary centre here to Wakefield.
"We’re delighted to open our doors and the team here at Paragon Veterinary Referrals are totally committed to, and looking forward to, providing excellent care for patients using the latest veterinary techniques."
For more information about the services Paragon will be offering, and for details of the vacancies on offer at the vet centre, as well as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities, visit www.paragonreferrals.co.uk.
The first is Design Hub, a self-service marketing portal which allows practices to choose from a variety of designs for posters, social media posts and other collateral and brand them with the practice logo. The portal includes a planner which details noteworthy dates, veterinary campaigns and events that practices might want to include in their marketing plans.
Member practices using the new portal during February also have the chance to enter a competition to win £500 Love2shop vouchers.
The second resource is a pets portal which the company says will make it easier to access live information about pets enrolled on its health plans, make administrative changes, process refunds or cancellations and soon, add new pets.
From July the pets portal will compatible with tablets and other mobile devices, so practice staff can move out from behind the desk and have conversations with pet owners in the waiting or consulting rooms.
Paul Bates, Practice Development Specialist, said: "We had already identified that practices wanted to be able to register plans and change details online. It was important for us to also ensure that the tool we developed had the desired functionality and was robust enough to handle large volumes of data being entered simultaneously across the country.
"We also wanted it to be fit for purpose so that if we want to develop more advanced features going forwards, we don’t have to recreate the wheel and can build on what we have already. The portal will be really useful in its own right and gives us a great launching pad for future development."
To access the new portals, email: pethealthplanscomms@denplan.co.uk, or contact your Simplyhealth Professionals Practice Support Advisor or Business Development Consultant.
For more information about Simplyhealth Professionals visit http://www.pethealthplans.co.uk/vets.
Interested parties are invited to share their views by the 2nd May 2018.
The ban is being explored by the government as part of a package of reforms designed to drive up animal welfare standards.
A number of other measures to tighten up the regulation of puppy breeders are also being laid before Parliament today, to come into force later in the year:
Banning licensed sellers from dealing in puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks;
Ensuring that licensed dog breeders show puppies alongside their mother before a sale is made;
Tackling the sale of weak underage puppies and the breeding of unhealthy dogs and dogs with severe genetic disorders;
Introducing compulsory licensing for anyone in the business of breeding and selling dogs;
Requiring puppy sales to be completed in the presence of the new owner, preventing online sales where prospective buyers have not seen the animal first;
Insisting licensed dog breeders can only sell puppies
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "We need to do everything we can to make sure the nation’s much loved pets get the right start in life. From banning the sale of underage puppies to tackling the breeding of dogs with severe genetic disorders, we are cracking down on sellers who have a total disregard for their dogs’ welfare.
"This is a further step to raise the bar on animal welfare standards. We are also introducing mandatory CCTV in all slaughterhouses and increasing maximum prison sentences tenfold for animal abusers."
BVA President John Fishwick said: "As vets, we see first-hand the tragic consequences that can result from poorly bred puppies so it’s encouraging to see the Government announce this raft of measures to improve dog welfare.
"We support the principle that puppies should not be sold by third parties, but this is a complex area that must consider advertising, internet sales and pet owners’ buying habits to ensure illegal puppy sales won’t be driven underground.
"Effective legislation must be backed by enforcement, so it’s essential that local authorities are equipped with adequate resources to help guarantee the welfare of millions of dogs across the UK.
The consultation can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/banning-third-party-sales-of-pets-in-england-call-for-evidence
Fiproclear Combo, which contains fipronil and S-methoprene, is licensed for use on cats and dogs and can also be used to treat and prevent fleas and ticks on ferrets.
Norbrook says the new product provides effective protection from new flea infestations for up to eight weeks on dogs and four weeks on cats, while protecting against certain ticks for up to four weeks on dogs, and two weeks on cats.
Monica Whistler, Norbrook Marketing Product Manager, said: "With its triple-action approach, Fiproclear Combo kills adult fleas, ticks and biting lice. The addition of S-methoprene to the already-trusted ingredient fipronil, breaks the flea life cycle in the home by ensuring that any eggs laid by the fleas, which have come into contact with the product are infertile, and by preventing development of flea larvae within a pet’s surroundings.
"Adult fleas on pets are killed within 24 hours whilst newly arrived ticks are killed within 48 hours of attachment – before the main risk period of disease transfer. Ticks rank second only to mosquitoes as insects that spread infectious diseases to both pets and people1; the most common of which is Lyme disease."
Norbrook highlights research which showed almost a third of cats suffered from ectoparasites2, while around one in every three dogs are affected by ticks3, and that many traditional treatments do not help break the flea life cycle in the home.
Monica added: "Typically, by the time an owner notices a flea problem, an infestation has already been present for up to two months. At that point the visible adult fleas on the pet are only part of the problem, with 95% of the parasites already living in the home itself as eggs, larvae and pupae."