The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has won European funding to develop its innovative system for the online recording of veterinary nurse training.
The College has been granted Leonardo da Vinci funding to the tune of €245,000 to investigate how its Nursing Progress Log (NPL), used as part of the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing in the UK, can be adapted for use on the continent.
Dubbed 'Veterinary European Clinical Training and Assessment Record' (VECTAR), the project will explore how best the recording tool, and the training of practice-based mentors for veterinary nurse students, can be developed in the six partner veterinary nursing schools - based in Norway, Finland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal and Italy.
The project will be overseen by the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), which means that European veterinary employers will have a direct link to the project throughout.
This is the latest of several similar projects in which UK best practice in veterinary nursing has led EU developments, and it is timely that the funding was secured during the 50th anniversary of veterinary nurse training in the UK (www.rcvs.org.uk/VNat50).
Libby Earle, RCVS Head of Veterinary Nursing said: "We were delighted that the project has been granted funding, as it reinforces the position of UK veterinary nurse training as the gold standard in Europe. But there are still lots we can learn: the project will be a two-way process and we hope to gain from the experience of our European colleagues in developing and improving the NPL, and accessible training and support for those involved in coaching student VNs in practice."
Vétoquinol has released the results of a survey of 1000 dog owners, which looked into their attitudes towards long-term medication for their pet1.
Owners were asked to rate how important various factors were to them when it came to giving medicine long term to their dog. They were also asked to consider what they felt was most important to their vet when it came to choosing a medicine.
Vétoquinol says the fact that dog owners rate the effectiveness of a medication much more highly than the cost means there is very little reason to compromise on treatment based on a presumption of what clients will want to pay. These findings are also largely very positive in that they suggest that dog owners believe that in many areas vets are making decisions based on criteria that are important to owners. The area where there is the greatest mismatch is over the risk of side effects of medication.
Pet owners think that vets may take the risk of side effects from long-term medications less seriously than the owners themselves might prefer. It suggests that the risk of potential harm, no matter how small the risk of actual harm is, may be more unacceptable to the dog owner than vets and nurses might otherwise presume. When prescribing long-term medication there is a need to talk about the risks associated with medication more openly and to take the client's attitudes to risk into consideration.
1. A survey of 1048 dog owners, carried out by petbuzz, on behalf of Vétoquinol, March 2011
Vetoquinol has released the second set of results from a survey of over 1000 dog owners which the company says has revealed some surprising findings on owner attitudes to pain and pain relieving medications.1
In particular, Vetoquinol says it thinks veterinary surgeons will be surprised by the depth of feeling expressed by pet owners about the issue, and that there are areas where there is potential for the profession to relate to the concerns of clients and adapt communication accordingly.
The key findings highlight that dog owners are likely to be shocked by a diagnosis of long term painful illness in their pet and are very likely to search for further information on the Internet about the pet's condition. Most dog owners think that NSAIDs are likely to cause side effects, with the perceived risk being much greater than the actual level of risk. The results also indicate that even low levels of risk of side effects may be unacceptable to dog owners.
Mark Leddy, Marketing Manager at Vétoquinol said that the strength of the bond between pet and owner should always be front of mind: "A diagnosis of osteoarthritis, for instance, is such a common one, often being made several times a day, so it is easy to become matter of fact about it; yet for the client that news may actually be quite traumatic and the impact hugely underestimated."
Where clients get their information from is important:
The majority of respondents (95%) felt that treatment of osteoarthritis should be started as soon as signs appear and then long term, either consistently or as needed. However, despite recognising the need for treatment, many expressed concerns about side effects when giving their dog long-term medication, with 77% considering it important or very important to choose a medication with a limited range of side effects.
Vetoquinol says the reality is that one in a thousand pets given an NSAID is likely to experience side effects, which vets may feel is not something owners should worry about unduly. The reality for pet owners is that they perceive the risk to be much greater and if informed of the actual level of risk may still experience a significant level of fear that their pet, with whom they have a special relationship, could be that one in a thousand.
Mark Leddy says that, based on these results, there is great scope for the veterinary team to discuss the level and type of risk entailed in administering medication: "Such an approach will help pet owners make more informed decisions about treatment, allay their concerns and provide them with the support they need at what is probably a very difficult time for them."
Veterinary nurse Beverley Burnett has launched North East CPD, a new CPD provider in the North East of England.
Beverley said: "It's not always time- or cost-effective to have to travel far and wide for courses, sometimes overnight, leaving surgeries short-staffed, and what with increasing travel costs, I decided to provide courses further North.
"Courses for both veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses start in October. Our lecturers are all very experienced professionals, qualified to the highest standard within their chosen speciality, giving you the opportunity to receive only interesting and up-to-date courses.
"Our aim is to help you develop your knowledge and skills, whilst enjoying a relaxed and friendly environment, at an affordable rate."
To find out more about current and future courses, and how to book, visit http://www.ne-cpd.co.uk/ or email: info@ne-cpd.co.uk
North East CPD is currently offering a 10% discount on your first booking!
A quick poll carried out by Michael Woodhouse amongst the members of VetSurgeon suggests that the majority of UK veterinary surgeons do not brush their own dog's teeth.
98 members took part in the survey, as follows:
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched new, more palatable Metacam Chewable Tablets.
According to the company, the tablets are proven to be taken by 90% of dogs voluntarily1 and 80% will even take them from the floor1 which aids compliance. Available in pop-through blister strips of seven for easy dispensing and administration, the 1mg and 2.5mg Metacam Chewable Tablets are packed in boxes of 84 and priced the same per tablet as the current tablet range.
Claire Fowler, companion animal marketing manager at Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "The existing Metacam Chewable Tablets are readily accepted by most dogs. However, to appeal to as many dogs as possible, we have launched an even more appetising 'beefed up' meaty flavour."
For further information on the new flavoured Metacam tablets, including special offers, please contact your Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or call 01344 746959.
Merck has announced that its animal health division, formerly known as Intervet/Schering-Plough, has changed its name to MSD Animal Health in countries outside the United States and Canada from today.
Intervet/Schering Plough will now be known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada.
Raul Kohan, President of Merck Animal Health said: "The name change reflects Merck's commitment to animal health and its complementary role to the overall business. We are unwavering in our commitment to veterinarians, producers, pet owners and society as a whole. We aim to generate additional value and sustained growth by continuing to provide integrated solutions with innovative animal health products and services to meet the evolving needs of our customers."
Mr. Kohan continued: "With the scientific and business backing of Merck, Merck Animal Health possesses the necessary mix of resources to enhance our position as an industry leader."
Merck says it values the diversification that Merck Animal Health brings to its portfolio, and sees growth opportunities in the business that can be leveraged across both animal and human health. The company intends to capitalize on Merck Animal Health's broad and innovative portfolio going forward, and to develop the unit into a best-in-class global animal health leader.
The name change follows the joint announcement on March 22, 2011 by Merck and sanofi-aventis that ended plans to form a new animal health joint venture. Both companies mutually decided to discontinue their agreement primarily because of the increasing complexity of implementing the proposed transaction.
The RCVS is to launch a new badge for registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) at the British Veterinary Nursing Association Congress later this week.
The launch ties in with the 50th anniversary of veterinary nurse training, and highlights the fact that RVNs, while qualified to the same level as their listed colleagues, stand apart because they additionally agree to account for their professional practice and keep their skills and knowledge up to date.
The non-statutory RCVS Register of Veterinary Nurses was introduced in 2007, and RVNs abide by a code of professional conduct, commit to continuing professional development and, from 1 April this year, can be taken to task via a disciplinary system.
The new badge builds upon the old version but with the word 'registered' underneath. Plans for a more dramatic departure from the existing badge were dropped when the College saw the affection in which veterinary nurses held the traditional antique silver and red-enamel badge, introduced in 1984.
Liz Branscombe, Chairman of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council said: "There is currently no legislation to protect veterinary nurses' title and area of work, but we have not stood still and the Register shows a real commitment to developing our status as professionals. We need to ensure this commitment is recognised by clients and others in the veterinary team, and hope the new badge will make it easier to identify who is professionally accountable."
All those veterinary nurses qualifying since 2003 automatically became registered and those qualifying earlier could choose to do so. Currently there are 8,682 registered veterinary nurses, and 1,463 remain on the unregulated list.
The new badge will be presented to all those qualifying since 4 July 2011, and those registering earlier can purchase it for £15 (to cover the cost of the badge and engraving it with the RVN's individual number) up until the 31 January 2012. RVNs are under no obligation to purchase the new badge, although the College hopes that many will choose to do so to mark the step forward which the profession has made.
The Veterinary Nurses Council is developing proposals for statutory regulation to put to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Meanwhile, Roger Gale MP will host a reception at the House of Commons on 11 October to celebrate the first half-century of veterinary nursing, and raise awareness of the benefits for animals and their owners of legal recognition of veterinary nurses.
Veterinary nurses attending BVNA Congress in Kettering are encouraged to visit the RCVS stand in the gallery area to take part in a 50th anniversary quiz, collect their chocolate version of the new badge, and find out how to obtain the real thing. Liz Branscombe will also be making a presentation on Saturday 8 October about the new disciplinary system for registered veterinary nurses.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Celox Veterinary, a product which stops arterial or venous haemorrhage within 3 minutes, described as 'revolutionary' by the company.
Celox Veterinary is available in both a granule formulation and in two sizes of gauze. The granules can be poured into a wound. Once pressure is applied, a clot forms and arterial and venous haemorrhage is stopped within three minutes, independent of the body's normal clotting processes. Celox Veterinary Gauze has the granules ready bonded onto its surface for ease of use.
Dechra says the product works by bonding with red blood cells and gelling with fluids to produce a robust clot which sticks to moist tissue to plug the bleeding site. It can be helpful in treating a wide range of veterinary cases including:
Celox Veterinary is made from chitosan, a natural polysaccharide and by-product of the shrimp industry. It generates no heat while in use and small amounts of residual material left in the body are naturally metabolised.
Dechra Product Manager Rachel Horton said: "Wound care is an area in which Dechra is known for its innovative product range. We are delighted to take this to the next level by offering this revolutionary treatment to vets and believe it will soon establish itself as an efficacious tool when they are faced with significant injuries and severe bleeding."
For further information on Celox Veterinary, please contact your Territory Manager or call Dechra direct on (01939) 211200.
Nominations are now open for candidates wishing to stand in the 2012 RCVS Council and RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council elections.
Jane Hern, RCVS Registrar said: "The veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses that sit on the RCVS and VN Councils are vital to the governance of their professions, and in steering the activities the College undertakes under its Royal Charter. If you're interested in making sure that your profession is well-governed, its standards are upheld, and the interests of animals and the public are protected, why not consider standing in these elections?"
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2012 elections. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms, and will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees (a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, manifesto and photograph for inclusion in the RCVS News Extra election specials. Nobody may nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make a nomination.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2012. Full details and guidance notes for both elections will be available on the RCVS website shortly on the RCVS Council Election page and VN Council Election page.
Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may be requested from Mrs Gabi Braun (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica and the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) have launched Spot The Signs, a campaign designed to help owners spot the signs of painful, age-related conditions in cats, such as arthritis.
According to the company, which makes Metacam, 46% of cats are now classed as 'mature and older', and 87% of vets have treated cats aged 22 or more. Yet a survey of 3000 cat owners found that 75% would not recognise the signs of chronic pain in their cat. And despite 50% of owners believing that cats suffer pain the same way as humans, 78% of cats had never been taken to the vet for an old age check up.
99% of 77 veterinary surgeons surveyed agreed that chronic pain often goes unnoticed and that signs of pain can be confused with cats simply getting old. When shown a list of common signs of long term pain in cats, 65% of owners recognised at least one of these signs in their own cat.
Claire Bessant, leading feline author and CEO of FAB, said: "In a recent study, 65% of cats aged 12 and above showed evidence of arthritis when X-rayed. The survey also showed that a large proportion of cats do show signs that may be caused by chronic pain, including becoming withdrawn, reduced grooming and reduced activity, but these were not attributed to pain by the owners. Arthritis has only just been recognised by the veterinary profession as a major problem in cats and so it is not surprising that 80% of cat owners do not realise that their cats can develop this painful condition."
Most owners understand that arthritis can cause significant pain and discomfort, and 93% said they would feel guilty if their cat was in pain and they hadn't realised. 65% of Brits see their cat as member of the family, with 20% saying their cat is like a child to them.
The Spot the Signs campaign is being 'fronted' by Jess the Cat, Postman Pat's sidekick, with expert support from a panel of cat medicine and behaviour specialists including leading feline author Claire Bessant and VetSurgeon.org / VetNurse.co.uk blogger, Pete Wedderburn MRCVS. The campaign includes support materials for veterinary practices and a facebook page.
Claire Fowler, Boehringer Ingelheim, said: "Despite a steady increase in the number of cases of arthritis and chronic pain in cats being diagnosed, our research shows awareness amongst cat owners of how to look for pain in their cats remains surprisingly low, despite 86% saying they would want their vet to let them know if their cat might be in pain. For many owners, spotting the signs of pain in their cat can be difficult, so we have set out to educate cat owners about what to look for and to encourage them to consult their vet or vet nurse if they are concerned."
The London Vet Show was a runaway success this year, with more delegates on day one than visited the entire show in 2010.
Rob Chapman from CloserStill Media, organiser of the event said: "We're still number crunching, but it looks like numbers were up something like 40% on last year."
VetSurgeon.org visited the event and filmed a number of the commercial exhibitors, many of whom said what a good atmosphere there was at the show and how busy it was.
CloserStill has already confirmed that the London Vet Show will again take place in the Grand Hall at London Olympia next year. However, it will be expanding into West Hall for the clinical lectures, so that everyone can have a seat, unlike this year when demand was so high, some had to sit on the floor.
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons has produced bookmarks for accredited practices to give clients, which explain the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme (PSS).
Lizzie Lockett, Head of the RCVS Communications Department said: "A key part of the PSS is helping practices explain their accreditation to clients - and the bookmarks are a simple and eye-catching promotional tool for this. We hope they will have the advantage over conventional leaflets of being kept, and used, by clients, meaning the accredited-practice message is more likely to be taken on board. Although many people are using e-books these days, the traditional book - and bookmark - still has a place."
All accredited practices may order a free sample of 100 bookmarks, and a further 400 free bookmarks are available to practices recently renewing or receiving accreditation. More bookmarks may also be ordered from the RCVS, as well as the new accredited-practice logos. To find out more, or download an order form, practices can visit www.rcvs.org.uk/PSSpromo.
Intervet/Schering-Plough has launched Vectin chewable tablets, an ivermectin wormer for horses which is administered as a treat straight from the hand rather than in the traditional paste or granule formulation.
According to the company, syringe handling, horse acceptance and the tendency to spit out some or all of the paste are common problems reported by owners when worming their horses, and more than 55% admit that these issues can result in a mixture of emotions, including frustration, anxiety and upset.
Field studies with Vectin showed more than 70% spontaneous acceptance by horses and the simple calculation of one tablet for every 110kg of a horse or foal's bodyweight helps to reduce wastage as unused tablets can be stored away for future use.
Pharmacokinetics studies have demonstrated improved bioavailability (AUC) and maximal concentration (Cmax) when compared with an equivalent competitor ivermectin paste formulation. Trials have also shown that a more consistent blood concentration of ivermectin when given as a chew which could potentially limit the chance of inducing resistance.
Intervet/Schering Plough says that used as part of a strategic worming plan, Vectin chewable tablets control potentially a wide range of endoparasites including small and large strongyles, stomach worms, cutaneous worms and stomach bots.
Vectin chewable tablets are available as a seven-tablet blister pack, perfect for treating a horse or a couple of ponies. For yards, a tub of 60 tablets is available, containing enough to dispense product for worming approximately 12 horses.
Vectin chewable tablets are recommended for use alongside Pyratape P and Panacur in Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health's Active3 worming plan, a strategic three-year approach to rotating wormers in order to minimize the risk of resistance developing. Visit http://www.intervet.co.uk/ for a copy of the three-year plan.
Veterinary nurse Kelly Lane, a second year nurse at Woodward Veterinary Surgery in Ashby-de-La-Zouch, Leicestershire has won a £1500 Multipurpose Rigid Telescope Kit for her practice in a MediChem International competition.
She also received £75 of M&S Vouchers and a bouquet of flowers for herself.
Correctly completing a competition at the company's stand at the BSAVA Congress, Ms Lane recently received her prize from Bernadette Haley of MediChem International and Cheryl Steer, managing director of Veterinary Endoscopy Services.
Ms Lane said: "It's an amazing piece of kit to win and I am thrilled to be adding to the services already offered by my practice."
Practice owner, David Woodward added "Everyone in the practice is delighted to receive this prize. It's a piece of equipment that has been on our wish list for some time."
CEVA Animal Health has announced that all dogs entering Dogs Trust's 17 Rehoming Centres will now be fitted with a D.A.P.® collar to help reduce their stress levels while in a kennel environment. This decision was taken following a highly successful trial1 at Dogs Trust's state-of-the-art Rehoming Centre in West London.
The trial revealed that dogs wearing D.A.P.® collars while in kennels were less likely to display canine stress indicators, such as barking and pacing around kennels, and were more likely to lie down and rest; signs that dogs are more relaxed.
Chris Laurence, veterinary director at Dogs Trust, said: "Dogs Trust trialled D.A.P.® collars on dogs being admitted at our Harefield Rehoming Centre. Many dogs are very stressed by their first experience in a kennel environment and it was shown that the use of a collar significantly reduced their stress levels.
"Centre staff were impressed with the positive changes in behaviour that were shown during the trial. Dogs were far more relaxed and less reactive to the inevitable stressful elements of their environment. We will now be using D.A.P.® collars on all dogs entering our Rehoming Centres in tandem with the other practices we already employ to reduce kennel stress.
"Stressed dogs are more difficult to rehome so we hope the use of DAP® to reduce stress levels will be beneficial to both their welfare and our rehoming."
For further information on D.A.P.®, please contact your local CEVA Animal Health territory manager, or visit www.ceva.uk.com.
Only a quarter of nurses and about a third of vets believe in a God, according to a poll carried out amongst the members of www.vetnurse.co.uk and www.vetsurgeon.org
The poll offered four possible responses to the question: Does God exist? The results from 120 members of VetNurse were:
Interestingly, the results were more polarised amongst vets than nurses. More vets described themselves as either believers (32.3%) or atheists (44.4%), with fewer describing themselves as agnostic (18.5%).
The VetSurgeon poll suggests that vets and nurses are less likely to believe in God than the general population. In 2004, a survey commissioned by the BBC found that 56% of Britons believed in God, and in 2005 a survey by the European Commission found that 38% of Britons believed in God.
A survey announced by Penguin books yesterday to mark the publication of 'Killing God' found that only 34% of those aged 13 to 18 believe in God.
Another survey in 2008 found that only 3.3% of Royal Society fellows believed in God, causing researchers to conclude that people with a higher IQ are less likely to have faith, a finding which tallies with a previous Gallup survey which showed that American postgraduate degree holders were less likely to believe in God than those who had been through high school only.
Good to see that the God complex is alive and well in the veterinary profession: 2.5% of nurses and 4.8% of vets voted for the fourth option in the VetNurse / VetSurgeon poll, which was: "Don't be so silly, I AM God"
The RCVS Trust is offering vets, veterinary nurses and their friends chance to win a stylish small car - and support this small charity - for a mere £2.00.
On offer in this better-than-the-average raffle is a Fiat 500, the 2008 European Car of the Year winner - and described by Jeremy Clarkson as "practical without being boring".
You can buy tickets online at http://www.everyclick.com/rcvstrust until 21 August, or ask Sarah Briggs at the Trust (020 7202 0743 or s.briggs@rcvstrust.org.uk) for a book to sell to colleagues, friends and family.
Tickets will then be entered into the Small Charity Car Draw, organised by the Foundation for Social Improvement, with the Trust receiving over 95% of the ticket price. The draw will take place on 1 October 2009.
The latest solution to the perennial problem of cat mess has arrived in the UK; CatGenie is the world's first self-flushing, self-washing cat loo.
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here it is...
According to CatGenie UK, the loo eliminates the need for pet owners to touch, smell or change dirty cat litter again, or carry heavy bags of cat litter home from the supermarket.
Once hooked up to a water connection and plugged into an electrical socket, CatGenie is ready to use. Instead of litter, it uses washable granules that look and feel like litter. Liquid waste drains and solids get scooped. All get liquefied for disposal down the drain, out of the home. The washable granules and cat box interior are then washed with water and SaniSolution. A built in dryer blows hot air through the granules to dry them completely for the cat's comfort. Sensors monitor when a cat visits the box and the CatGenie can be set to clean automatically at intervals throughout the day, or manually whenever required.
CatGenie costs £289.99 including VAT and shipping. The company says that annual running costs are lower than traditional cat litter methods which cost approximately £155/year, with more than 30 hours a year spent on buying and carrying litter, changing and disposing of dirty litter. CatGenie's on-going costs are less than £100.
CatGenie is offering vets the opportunity to take advantage of this product launch in the UK. By displaying CatGenie leaflets in your practice, you can earn £10 for every unit sold. There's no financial outlay and no need to store bulky items. Your leaflets will include a promotional code, unique to your practice. If one of your clients buys a CatGenie online and types in the code from one of your leaflets, you automatically receive £10 and they receive a £10 discount off the purchase price.
For further information on how to sign up to the promotional offer and for leaflets to display in your practice, please email courtney.morgan@catgenie.co.uk
Police have advised veterinary practices to be on their guard following a spate of break-ins in the South East, linked to the theft of controlled drugs.
PC Steve Doswell, Controlled Drugs Liaison Officer in the East Sussex police area said: "Criminal elements in the South East are targeting practices in Surrey, Hampshire and East Sussex. They may well have targeted, or will target, other practices in all of the neighbouring counties".
"Methadone, Ketamine, Alprazolam and Diazepam are all commonly-abused by drug users, and nationally there have been a lot of problems with users buying street heroin that has been cut with Alprazolam," he added.
PC Doswell offered the following advice to practices:
More detailed information about the correct storage of controlled drugs can be found in the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme Manual: www.rcvs.org.uk/practicestandards
As well as recycling its own blister packs used for pet medication, White Cross Vets, which has 21 practices, is urging local residents to bring in their empty blister packs to be recycled in a collection box in its reception areas.
MYGroup will process the collected blister packs, separating it back into its constituent parts so it can be fed back into supply chains and used to make new materials, including MYboard, a product which is used for construction, joinery, shop and event fittings.
Tom Ward, clinic director from White Cross Vets in Guiseley, said: “Very few local authorities or waste companies can recycle blister packs, which are used to package tablets and pills, meaning they usually end up in landfill or incineration.
“As a practice we use thousands of blister packs every year and we’re conscious that we need to look after our environment, so when we discovered there is now a ground-breaking recycling solution through MYGroup, it was obvious we needed to get involved.
“We’re also pleased to be able to make it available to local people in the surrounding area who can collect the blister packs they use at home and drop them off with us for recycling, regardless of whether or not they’re a client or even a pet owner.
"The initial feedback we’ve received has been very positive and we’re now beginning to see more and more blister packs being recycled each week as the scheme begins to grow.”
https://mygroupltd.com
Steve Carrie, group director from MYGroup, said: “MYGroup offers the only circular solution on the market for recycling blister packs and we’re only just getting started in this critical waste space to save such a ubiquitous item from landfill or incineration.
MYGroup launched its first blister pack recycling scheme earlier this year across a series of GP surgeries and pharmacies in York, with over 185,000 waste blister packs collected so far.
Each full box that White Cross Vets collects carries an approximate carbon saving of 30kg, which is roughly the equivalent of driving nearly 800 miles in a car.
The Blue Cross is to be the first animal charity to star in a BBC Lifeline appeal to help raise funds for animals in need.
Presented by actress Felicity Kendal and her cocker spaniel George, and featuring community vet nurse Laura Liversedge, the short film shows the work of the charity which helps thousands of sick and homeless animals every year.
Felicity Kendal said: "I'm delighted to be able to help publicise the work of this wonderful charity. The Blue Cross does so much to help animals in need and they rely almost entirely on public donations. I hope lots of people watch the BBC appeal to see just where the money goes and why this is a charity worthy of their support."
The BBC Lifeline appeal featuring The Blue Cross will be broadcast on BBC2 on Wednesday 28th October at 2pm.
The film will also be available to view on the BBC website until the end of November at www.bbc.co.uk/lifeline. Thereafter it can be viewed on The Blue Cross website at http://www.bluecross.org.uk/.
Petplan, the pet insurance provider has been selected as a Which? Best Buy. The independent consumer guide selected Petplan's 'Covered For Life' policy that covers animals for accidents and illnesses, including reoccurring conditions, such as diabetes and glaucoma, year after year, as long as the policy is renewed annually.
Alison Andrew, Petplan's Marketing Manager said: "The Which? report is crucial to being acknowledged as a worthy pet insurance provider. We feel being selected as a Which? Best Buy reflects how we treat our customers by offering excellent customer service, paying claims quickly, discounts on pet products and regular information about pet care through our magazine PetPeople."
Petplan provides insurance cover for dogs, cats, rabbits and horses and is the largest provider of animal health insurance in the world.
Urging vets to 'get off their backsides and respond to a VMD consultation' on the introduction of a new POM-EA category (Vet Times, 19th October) is premature.
Contrary to the report, the VMD has not yet launched a formal consultation.
Jo Cawthorne from the VMD said: "In fact, we've only launched an informal consultation on a concept note amongst a small group of key stakeholders from the RCVS, BVA, RPSGB, AMTRA, AHDA and NOAH, in order to decide whether this is a viable idea and merits a formal consultation."
She added: "There is no need for vets to respond to a consultation which doesn't yet exist. If there is a formal consultation, it will be announced formally on our website and everyone will be given the opportunity to respond."
The Blue Cross animal charity has presented its Veterinary Nurse of the Year award to Vania Brasseleur for her dedication to improving animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire.
The award was presented during the BVNA annual congress in Kettering, Northamptonshire by Mark Carwardine, zoologist and presenter of the BBC2 series 'Last chance to see' and Christian Bamber, Blue Cross director of service delivery.
Christian Bamber said: "This annual award is an opportunity for The Blue Cross to recognise the hard work of veterinary nurses across the UK and applaud those who go the extra mile to improve the lives of Britain's animals. Vania's enthusiastic approach to fundraising activities and her dedication to educating the local community is an inspiration to us all. Well done Vania for winning this year's award!"
Vania Brasseleur was nominated by student vet nurse and colleague Emily Martin at Astonlee Veterinary Hospital in Newport Pagnell. Emily said: "Vania is committed to helping student nurses broaden their knowledge and help them on to the path to qualification. Her charity work, serving the public, helping colleagues and of course her nursing abilities are all truly fantastic! I don't think anybody could ask for a better nurse."
The Blue Cross is one of the UK's leading animal welfare charities and has a long history of educating the public in responsible animal care. This award celebrates the essential work of veterinary nurses, in both educating the public and promoting pet welfare. Veterinary practices and pet owners all over the country were invited to nominate a nurse who they felt had made an important contribution to their local community.
Commenting on her award, Vania said: "I was really surprised to find out I had won the award this year, I think I'm still a bit shocked. I'd like to thank my family for their continued support, and everyone at Astonlee. I really enjoy working at the practice and educating the public about animal welfare. I love my job as a vet nurse, I just hope I can carry on doing this forever!"