The new vaccine offers 12 months protection when used as a single-dose booster in dogs previously vaccinated with Nobivac(r) KC. It is presented in a 10ml multi-dose vial which can be stored in or out of a refrigerator for 28 days after broaching.
Dogs not previously vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica need two doses administered four weeks apart.
The duration of immunity is 7 months after the primary course and 12 months after a booster with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb. It can also be given 12 months after a primary course in cases where the 7 month dose is missed.
Blaise Scott-Morris, Product Manager, MSD Animal Health said: "Currently only an estimated 1 in 3 vaccinated dogs in the UK are also covered against Bordetella1 so Nobivac(r) Respira Bb offers the chance for practices to re-start the conversation about protection with clients.
"A common barrier to Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD) protection, caused by Bordetella, is the belief that it is only necessary for dogs going into kennels, rather than all social dogs. Most dogs meet others however, while out walking, during training, or while attending the vets, and CIRD is infectious even at low levels. Indeed, dogs can be asymptomatic but infectious.
"So, improving protection levels against this disease which is distressing for both the owner and dog, is important in both reducing the risk of outbreaks and the need for antibiotic treatment."
According to the company, trials showed that dogs vaccinated with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb demonstrated a significant reduction in clinical signs of respiratory disease and a reduction in bacterial shedding2. It has also been safely demonstrated in a wide range of breeds3 and has proven efficacy in puppies challenged two weeks after the primary course of vaccination4. It can be given concurrently with many other Nobivac(r) vaccines.
MSD says the new vaccine is most suitable for dogs:
Further information can be found at www.nobivacrespiraBb.co.uk, or contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
References:
The new distribution service uses Invatech's Patient Medication Record (PMR) system, called Titan, which was accredited by the NHS a little over a year ago. Titan has now been developed further to support the company's Home Pharmacy service, and integrate with MWI.
The company says the new system offers practices a seamless workflow between prescribing, dispensing and logistics systems.
Tariq Muhammad, CEO of Invatech Health, said: "“The use of PMR systems for the veterinary market has been very light touch until now. Knowing that that we can bring the same level of efficiency and workflow to a new market presents an opportunity to support animal health in the same way that we do for human health."
Alan White, Commercial Director at MWI Animal Health, said: “The Covid pandemic has presented many challenges to veterinary professionals in the UK. Travel restrictions and social distancing measures make it difficult for animal owners to collect the medications and treatments they need from veterinary practices.”
“We are excited to be able to work with Invatech to provide an innovative solution to this problem, where vets can send the medications needed directly to their client. Working in partnership with veterinary practices and Invatech means we can move animal health forward together.”
For more information, visit: https://www.invatechhealth.com/
The ProfCon Investigation Support (PCIS) service is a free, confidential listening and support service funded by the RCVS and its Mind Matters Initiative mental health project but delivered independently by VetSupport.me, an organisation that already offers general support services to veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
The service is provided by a group of trained and experienced volunteers who will also be able to offer support to any veterinary surgeon or nurse who is acting as witness.
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “At the RCVS we recognise that being investigated in respect of alleged professional misconduct is a very stressful and trying experience that can knock confidence and, in some cases, lead to distress amongst practitioners.
“While part of the social contract of being members of regulated and protected professions is that, when accusations around professional misconduct are made, they have to be fully investigated by a regulator to determine if there is a case to answer. As a compassionate regulator we want to make sure that individuals going through this process can access the help and support they need.
“This service is staffed by a team of brilliant volunteers who already have experience in providing help and support on matters of mental health and wellbeing and have received additional training to augment their ability to provide emotional support to vets and nurses who may be under investigation.
“In our Strategic Plan for 2020-24, one of our key ambitions is to strengthen our credentials as a compassionate regulator that acts with empathy and understanding. The ProfCon Investigation Support Service is an important step in fulfilling this ambition, and I hope that it can deliver help to the people that need it.”
David McKeown, from VetSupport, added: “Whether via a phone call, an email conversation, or a meet-up over Zoom, our team of trained volunteers, all of whom are registered vets or vet nurses themselves, will support service users through the duration of an RCVS investigation.
“Through their support we will aim to help individuals going through this process maintain good mental health and wellbeing and strive to prevent more serious issues arising. The service is completely confidential and no conversations that individuals have with our volunteers will ever be shared with anyone else, including the RCVS. Nothing will be fed back to the College nor be used as part of the investigation process. It is also completely within the individual’s control as to how much information is shared with the VetSupport volunteer. There is no obligation to disclose any information other than perhaps a first name.
“We look forward to working with the RCVS to provide this very important service. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on info@vetsupport.me or visit www.vetsupport.me to find out more about the service and meet our team of supporters.”
Tim was the principal veterinary surgeon at Nine Mile Veterinary Group in Wokingham, Berkshire, from its opening in 1985. He grew the business from one vet and three staff to 16 vets and 60 staff, before selling to CVS in 2007.
Thereupon he became the National Veterinary Director for CVS, supporting the business as it grew from 200 to 1200 vets and supporting individual vets and practices with management advice and clinical practice.
In more recent times Tim has been working with a peripatetic surgery group.
Tim has worked at Guide Dogs before: between 1987 and 2007, he was a Centre Veterinary Advisor at the charity’s now-closed site in Wokingham.
Tim said: “Guide dogs are fantastic to work with – they are good-natured and easy to handle, and the owners always have the best interests of the dog at heart. Plus, you know you are helping more than someone’s pet, a working dog making a real difference to a person’s life. A guide dog needs to be happy and healthy to fulfil its role. It all adds up to a very different flavour of vet work.
“I am looking forward to being back, but in a more central role with more strategic responsibility. The veterinary world has changed so much, even in the last ten years, and it will be good to draw on my experiences to help Guide Dogs traverse that change.
“It’s important that we keep the healthcare of guide dogs at the top of the priorities list; the dogs have always been at the very core of the charity. It’s crucial that we have solid relationships with veterinary practices, to ensure our dogs receive the greatest care at the best value to the charity."
The clinic will assess cats and dogs under six months old where a heart murmur has been detected.
Willows will then recommend a course of action and, if required, carry out keyhole surgery.
Chris Linney, head of cardiology at Willows, said: "This is the first specialist-led, congenital heart disease clinic in the country and will use some of the latest and most advanced equipment available in the veterinary world. As well as advanced ultrasound, we also have state-of-the-art CT available for assessment of complex cases.
"With the support of the 24/7 hospital service and other specialist disciplines here at Willows, it means we can offer excellent care to our patients, their owners and referring vets.
"All young animals with murmurs may benefit from the clinic, but those that are always recommended to undergo assessment are puppies with murmurs grade three (out of six) and over, and kittens with murmurs grade four (out of six) and over.
"By reviewing these animals at a younger age, we hope to be able to put care plans in place that can improve their long-term health.
"We will also offer a precise diagnosis, outlook and prognosis on the cause of the heart murmur and, where needed, carry out minimally-invasive keyhole surgery.
"Often, the earlier these are performed the better the outlook for the patient."
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net.
The research was carried out by the Kansas State University College of Veterinary Medicine Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Holland Management Services, Zoetis and the Pet Insight Project team at Kinship (part of Mars Petcare).
For the study, researchers recorded pet scratching activity use Whistle canine activity trackers. They then compared that information with the visual observations of 358 pet owners who graded the severity of their pet’s scratching activity on a scale from 0, which represents a normal dog (“itching is not a problem for my dog”) to 100, corresponding to extreme itching (“itching disrupts my dog’s sleep, eating, play and exercise”).
The researchers found that measurements of scratching severity determined by the Whistle activity tracker corresponded to the owner’s overall impression of the pet’s pruritus, or itch, level. As scratching severity increased, as measured by the Whistle device, owner’s assessment scores significantly increased as well (P < 0.01).
Aletha Carson DVM, Data and Clinical Studies Senior Manager for Kinship said: “Pet owners can overlook the subtle changes in behaviour that may be a warning sign for an underlying issue and are often too late to recognise their beloved companion is suffering.
“This new method of analysing pet behaviours provides pet owners with an ‘always-on’ monitor that may be helpful in keeping their dogs healthy and happy.
“It may also prove to be quite useful for veterinarians who need an objective way to gauge a pet’s response to prescribed therapies used to reduce inflammation and scratching without requiring time-intensive monitoring from the owner.”
Details of the research were shared at the European Veterinary Dermatology Congress on September 17, 2021.
British shoppers are not losing sleep over the quality of their meat, milk and eggs - at least as far as animal medicines are concerned. They know farmers and their vets do a good job, and trust them to use medicines responsibly, for the health of food producing animals. They do not feel the need to actively seek information about their use. While one fifth have no concerns at all about how their food is produced, factory hygiene and animals' living conditions are at the top of consumers' lists of priorities as far as food production from farm animals is concerned.
These were the conclusions of a recent survey, commissioned by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH), which examined consumer attitudes toward animal medicines. A total of 1,000 adults, from a range of socio-economic groups across Great Britain, took part.
The survey found that animal medicines and vaccinations are of little concern to consumers, although there is a relatively high level of awareness among shoppers that they are used.
In total, 58% of consumers are aware that farm animals are vaccinated; 58% are aware that farm animals are treated with medicines; and 50% of consumers are aware that farm animals are given preventative medicines. Just 24% of those surveyed were not aware of any medicine use.
The research indicated that, for some shoppers, this lack of awareness was related to a general lack of interest in how food is produced. They make their purchase decisions based mainly on price and appearance.
For those shoppers who do have concerns, hygiene standards in food processing factories and animal living conditions on farms are the most important. Hygiene in factories is the primary concern cited by 22% of respondents, compared with just 4% citing animal vaccinations as their primary concern.
"These results are very encouraging for farmers, vets and the animal health industry alike: they indicate shoppers know they are using medicines responsibly and show a high level of trust by consumers in farmers, veterinarians and animal medicines. They also show that consumers are aware of the need for the careful and responsible use of animal medicines," said Phil Sketchley, Chief Executive of NOAH. "Consumers are reassured by the regulations that exist and the measures that farmers and the animal health industry take".
The oral corticosteroid powder formulation was previously only available in 180g tubs.
Severe equine asthma, which was previously known as Recurrent Airway Obstruction (RAO), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or Heaves, can lead to airway neutrophil influx and excessive mucus production. Although it is generally managed by environmental measures to suppose triggering factors, it can be combined with corticosteroid therapy to control airway inflammation in more severe cases.
Alana McGlade BVMedSci BVM BVS MRCVS, Equine Business Manager, said: "Severe equine asthma is the most common cause of chronic coughing in mature horses. Attributed to a hypersensitivity to inhaled allergens and dust, clinical signs - such as inflammation of the airways - can be alleviated by Equisolon’s active ingredient prednisolone.
"Prednisolone has been shown to have positive effects on clinical signs, endoscopic evaluation, arterial blood gases and pulmonary function when used in conjunction with environmental changes to reduce a horse’s exposure to potential triggers.
"Previously, vets would have had to measure out the powder but the sachets make dosing more convenient. The sachets come in a box of 10, so each pack will treat one 300 kg horse for 10 days or one 600 kg horse for 5 days. As the sachets are pre-measured, horses get exactly the dose they need.”
Equisolon oral powder contains 33.3 mg/g of prednisolone and should be administered at 1 mg prednisolone per kg of body weight per day. Treatment can be repeated at 24 hour intervals during 10 consecutive days.
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk
Anna started at the age of 16 as an animal nursing assistant in a first opinion clinic, becoming Head Nurse for its four clinics in Middlesex and Surrey.
She then managed four clinics in London, before become Managing Director of a group of Hampshire practices.
She then spent a short time working for a pharmaceutical wholesaler as veterinary business manager, but found she missed being in practice.
Anna holds a post-graduate certificate in Veterinary Business Management from the University of Liverpool.
She is also a Suitability Qualified Person - Companion Animals, a clinical coach and was a presenter at BVA 2024 within its showcase stream.
Anna said: “I am thrilled to join Lumbry Park as Hospital Director. It is a world-renowned multidisciplinary practice, with an a tremendously talented team of specialists, along with industry-leading equipment and facilities.
“In my new role, I promise to continue to support the team in providing exceptional treatment and care for our pets and their owners.
"I also want to continue to foster strong open relations with our referring clinics, including developing first opinion vets and their teams through Lumbry Park CPD events.”
www.lumbrypark.co.uk
It is hoped the survey will capture the experiences that vet nurses have had reporting ADRs, as well as identifying barriers to the current process which could be used to improve the ease with which ADRs are reported in the future.
PhD student Heather Davies (pictured right), who is leading the research project, said: "The survey is an important opportunity to gain insights into the issues that vet nurses face when dealing with ADRs.
"We want to make the process easier in order to improve the safety of veterinary medicines, and ultimately, we need the help of professionals on the front line in order to do that."
She added: "The survey is relatively short and can be completed anonymously.
"We’re really keen to gather as many of your experiences as possible so we’d like to encourage veterinary professionals to complete it."
The research is being carried out as part of a PhD project funded by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in collaboration with the Small Animal Veterinary Surveillance Network (SAVSNET), based at the university.
The survey is now open and you can take part here: https://liverpool.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/adrs-vet
Any questions about the survey can be addressed directly to the researchers: Heather Davies (PhD student): H.H.Davies@liverpool.ac.uk and/or Dr David Killick (Supervisor): David.Killick@liverpool.ac.uk.
Everyone who takes part in the survey, which is also open to vets, practice support staff and veterinary students, will be entered into a free prize draw for the chance to win a 1 of 3 Amazon gift vouchers (up to the value of £200).
Lizzie Erian-Round, Head Veterinary Healthcare Advisor at Pegasus (pictured right) said: "With lockdown measures easing, it is a good time to take a deeper dive into what the future looks like. And importantly, how veterinary professionals feel about it. No one has a crystal ball but those on the veterinary frontline are already getting a sense of what could lie ahead. And we believe it’s important they get to share their view of what good support and communications look like.
Our last wave of research indicated that COVID-19 could be a major catalyst for future digital innovation and have lasting consequences for the way we practice. With that in mind we’ve focussed our new survey to be more forward facing."
Pegasus's last survey found that 84% of veterinary professionals thought that the coronavirus pandemic would change the way veterinary practices operate in the future. 78% thought more owners will buy their medicines online. 71% worried about their exposure to coronavirus at their work place and 68% worried about the impact of the pandemic on their mental wellbeing.
The survey closes at 9am GMT Tuesday 30th June The results will help animal health companies better understand how to best support and communicate with the veterinary profession beyond the pandemic.
To take part in the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DRWSNWT
For a copy of the results, which will be available in July, email: animal@thisispegasus.co.uk.
Veterinary Insights gets its data from over 400 practices using Vet Viewer, its benchmarking software which practices use to monitor business metrics.
Apparently, the figures show that while overall turnover has bounced back relatively robustly, sales in certain areas are still lagging, reflecting changed routines in the ‘new normal’. For example, with many practices requesting clients wait in the car park, there has been a sustained drop in the sale of products typically sold in the waiting room, with sales of pet food falling by 44% during early lockdown, and still down by 25% compared with February’s figures.
The company says there are also significant business stresses that may not be captured in current revenue data.
Alexander Arpino, Managing Director of Veterinary Insights, said: “Anecdotally, we’re hearing that vets are increasingly hard-pressed for time, with logistical difficulties arising from social distancing. Consults are taking longer, and there’s an additional headache for receptionists as payments have to be collected afterwards over the phone. While there are some quick fixes, for example using a telemedicine app such as LinkyVet that sets payment expectations up front, there is no doubt that it’s difficult to make all this extra time investment sustainable in the long run.”
Paradoxically, while consults may be taking up more of vets’ time, some clients feel that they are getting less value for money as there is little face-to-face interaction with the vet. Alexander added: "One of the biggest challenges in the current environment is preserving and fostering those positive relationships with clients that are the cornerstone of companion animal practice.
"Ultimately, we want to bring clients back into the consult room, but only as and when it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, the question is: How can we make adjustments to maintain a high level of client satisfaction, without putting undue stress on vets?"
Veterinary Insights says its software can help practices navigate these challenges by presenting up to 24 months of historical data extracted from practice management systems, enabling businesses to draw comparisons with past performance.
For more information, visit www.vetviewer.co.uk.
The SPVS Salary Survey provides a benchmark of remuneration levels in the profession, including basic earnings, bonuses, dividends, overtime, accommodation, car allowances and pensions.
The main survey findings will be published in a report which will be shared with anyone who takes part and gives their email address at the end of the survey.
SPVS members will be given the full results with additional commentary and analysis.
The Association says all responses are treated as strictly anonymous and totally confidential, and thanks everyone in advance who decides to take part.
To take part, visit: https://spvs.org.uk/salary-survey-2021.
If you have any questions about the survey, email office@spvs.org.uk.
Cognitive aids are visual prompts that aim to reduce human error in critical processes by providing a supportive framework that ensures tasks are performed and communicated appropriately. They are designed for use whilst a task is being undertaken and enable individuals to concentrate on problem-solving and decision-making.
The BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice, written by veterinary anaesthesia specialist Matt McMillan, includes both routine checklists, such as pre-anaesthetic assessment, equipment checks and postoperative handover, and crisis checklists for potential complications that may be encountered during surgery, such as hypotension, bradycardia and haemorrhage.
The guide also includes downloadable forms, which can be used in practice to ensure safety checks are completed and help improve clinical outcomes (available from www.bsavalibrary.com).
Ian Self, Principal Clinical Anaesthetist at the University of Cambridge Department for Veterinary Medicine said: "This handbook should be viewed as a ‘second pair of eyes’ throughout a procedure, especially if an anaesthetised patient deteriorates; consider it as having an experienced anaesthetist looking over your shoulder offering words of advice… I am very happy to endorse this exciting new BSAVA resource."
The BSAVA Cognitive Aids for Anaesthesia in Small Animal Practice is now available from the BSAVA website (www.bsava.com/shop) or by phone on 01452 726700 (£25; BSAVA members: £15).
A range of experts will be giving lectures and seminars covering nutrition, weight management, dermatology and behaviour.
Day one kicks off with a talk from nutritionist, Cecilia Veillaverde, followed by sessions on Feline Behaviour by Behavioural Medicine Specialist Sarah Heath. The day finishes with a presentation about dermatology by RCVS recognised specialist in Veterinary Dermatology, Dr Stephen Shaw.
The second and third days will focus solely on weight management, with speakers including Professor of Small Animal Medicine at the University of Liverpool, Alex German, Internal Medicine specialist Grant Petrie, Honorary Lecturer in Small Animal Behaviour, Jon Bowen and Weight Management Specialist from the University of Liverpool, Georgia Woods RVN (pictured right). Royal Canin’s Weight Management Specialist, Caroline Burke RVN will wrap up the course with a communication skills workshop.
Erin Carr, Veterinary Marketing Executive at Royal Canin, said: "The Pet Health Counsellor and Weight Management Congress is perfect place to meet colleagues and industry peers, but also an opportunity to hear from leading experts on a range of topics.
"As this is a special year for the course, those who have already attended the Pet Health Counsellor course can attend again or opt to attend the last two days for the Weight Management Congress."
The course is limited to only 60 spaces so booking is essential.
For more information and to register, visit: https://vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk/news/book-your-place-on-the-pet-health-counsellor-and-weight-management-congress-now/
A study published in Current Biology has demonstrated that there are remarkable similarities in the way that dog and human brains respond to sound, and that dog brains, like those of people, are also sensitive to acoustic emotional cues.
Lead by Attila Andics, researchers from MTA-ELTE Comparative Ethology Research Group in Hungary trained 11 dogs to lay motionless in an fMRI brain scanner. This made it possible to run the same neuroimaging experiment on both dog and human participants - something that had never been done before. They captured both dogs' and humans' brain activities while the subjects listened to nearly 200 dog and human sounds, ranging from whining or crying to playful barking or laughing.
The resultant scans showed that dog and human brains include voice areas in similar locations. Not surprisingly, the voice area of dogs responds more strongly to other dogs while that of humans responds more strongly to other humans.
The researchers also noted striking similarities in the ways the dog and human brains process emotionally loaded sounds. In both species, an area near the primary auditory cortex lit up more with happy sounds than unhappy ones. Andics says the researchers were most struck by the common response to emotion across species.
There were some differences, too: in dogs, 48% of all sound-sensitive brain regions respond more strongly to sounds other than voices. That's in contrast to humans, in which only 3% of sound-sensitive brain regions show greater response to nonvocal versus vocal sounds.
The researchers say that the findings suggest that voice areas evolved at least 100 million years ago, the age of the last common ancestor of humans and dogs. It also offers new insight into humans' unique connection with our best friends in the animal kingdom and helps to explain the behavioural and neural mechanisms that made this alliance so effective for tens of thousands of years.
Andics said: "This method offers a totally new way of investigating neural processing in dogs. At last we begin to understand how our best friend is looking at us and navigating in our social environment."
Photograph: Borbala Ferenczy. Dogs at the MR Research Centre (Budapest).
The survey is the second stage of a three stage review recommended to RCVS Council by the College’s Standards Committee in 2019, after it looked at the implications of new technologies for both animal welfare and veterinary regulation.
The main areas under consideration include the provision of 24/7 emergency cover and the interpretation and application of an animal being under the care of a veterinary surgeon. The review also encompasses remote consulting.
In stage one of the review, the RCVS commissioned a research agency to conduct a series of focus group discussions with veterinary professionals working in a variety of roles and sectors. The information gleaned from the discussions was then used to develop the questions for this survey.
The survey will ask veterinary professionals to reflect on what, for them, should underpin good regulations and guidelines for practice.
It will then ask respondents how these principles should be applied in particular situations relating to 24/7 emergency cover and 'under care' before inviting their views on how they would like regulations on these two areas to deal with any tensions between different desirable regulatory aims.
The survey results will be used to help produce any changes to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance concerning ‘under care’ and the provision of 24/7 emergency cover, which will then be put out for full public consultation later this year.
Chair of the RCVS Standards Committee, Dr Melissa Donald, said: “This review addresses fundamental questions about how we should continue to interpret ‘under care’ in a profession, and a society, that is largely unrecognisable to the one that first defined the term, and, at the same time, how we can continue to provide 24/7 emergency cover for those animals under our care.
“The original Vet Futures report also emphasised the impact that technological advances may have on the veterinary professions, so we must ensure we have in place a regulatory framework that gives consideration to these potential changes whilst ensuring animal health and welfare remain at its heart.
“These are challenging but hugely important questions on which we are hoping to receive as much feedback as possible. I do understand the huge pressures my vet and vet nurse colleagues continue to work under at the moment, so would like to thank them in advance for taking a little time out of their busy days to send us their views.”
The survey will open on Wednesday, 19th May 2021 for all UK-based veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
All responses will be used and reported anonymously, so respondents will not be identified.
The survey will be open for four weeks, closing at 5pm on Wednesday, 16 June 2021.
It should take 15-20 minutes to complete, but can be returned to and completed in stages if preferred.
Further background information about the Under Care Review is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/undercare.
The Clinical Supervisor course is designed to help RVNs to guide their students in developing the professional behaviours and Day One Skills they need to join the Register.
The course is also designed to complement any existing training that a VN who is a Clinical Supervisor has received from the college or university for which they are supervising the SVN.
RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing Julie Dugmore said: “This course will help you undertake your role as a coach and assessor, ensuring your student has achieved the RCVS requirements by the time they have completed the practical elements of their training.
“It comprises modules that include the role and functions of a Clinical Supervisor, the types of professional behaviours SVNs need to develop and understanding of the Day One Skills in which they need to become competent.
"In addition, it will enhance the training Clinical Supervisors will receive from the relevant educational institution by promoting understanding of the RCVS requirements.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/vndayonecompetences
A single 0.5ml vaccination provides 12 months immunity against all three pathogens, which will make vaccination more convenient and should help improve levels of compliance against variant strains of RHD which is currently estimated to be at around only 60% of the vaccinated rabbit population.
Nobivac Myxo-RHD Plus is available in a pack of five, single dose vials, with a shelf-life of two years. The vaccine can be used from the age of five or seven weeks onwards to achieve the full duration of immunity. Immunity is provided within three weeks of administration.
Leonora Bell, Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "It's clear that this year the usually busy spring season, where purchasing and vaccinating rabbits is at its highest, will not be as predictable as previous years. Vaccinating rabbits is unlikely to be at the top of your agenda. MSD Animal Health's new Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS has arrived, however, so this is a good opportunity to understand how to safely switch vaccinated rabbits and introduce new rabbits to vaccination. This is a time when clients can be encouraged back into your practice, ideally prior to the increase in infectious disease which we tend to see during the peak summer months.
"The variant RHD-2 strain appears now to predominate in cases of rabbit haemorrhagic disease and readily transfers over long distances via flies and the wind. Vaccinating rabbits that live both outdoors and indoors is therefore vital. Rabbits are popular pets and rabbit owners are highly motivated to seek veterinary advice once they are made aware of their pet's specific health needs. They are, however, much less likely to take their pet to a veterinary practice than cat or dog owners or to seek advice on vaccination, neutering or other routine health matters."
Leonora added: "Production of our existing Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine will necessarily be replaced with the new Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS to ensure that rabbits are vaccinated in the most appropriate way. Following the correct switching protocol is therefore vital. For unvaccinated rabbits it's a simple case of starting with the new vaccine. For rabbits due for a booster of Myxomatosis, RHD1 and RHD2, again, vets can simply switch to the new vaccine when the booster is normally due. Where rabbits have already only been vaccinated with the existing Nobivac Myxo-RHD vaccine it is recommended that vets vaccinate the rabbit with an inactivated RHD-2 vaccine, such as Filavac or Eravac vaccine, as soon as possible. For boosters due later this year and all subsequent boosters, use Nobivac Myxo-RHD PLUS."
The launch of the vaccine is being supported by a range of educational materials designed to help vets switch and encourage new rabbit owners into the practice. A new website is also in the pipeline, with rabbit owner support videos, an educational launch webinar, a detailer, practice posters, noticeboard materials and e-mail templates as vaccination reminders for rabbit owners.
For further information contact your MSD Animal Health account manager or visit www.nobivacmyxorhdplus.co.uk.
The announcement came in the form of a written statement by the then Home Secretary Sajid Javid to the House of Commons on 23rd July, which said: "The Government is happy to accept all of the MAC’s recommendations on the composition of the SOL and the necessary amendments will be made in the Autumn Immigration Rules changes."
Being on the shortage occupation list means that employers do not need to advertise jobs for veterinary surgeons in the UK for 28 days before advertising abroad (the Resident Labour Market Test). In addition, there are lower visa fees and it provides exemption from the minimum income threshold.
RCVS President Niall Connell said: "Both the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and the British Veterinary Association worked together to ensure this outcome, which will see a lowering of the immigration barriers, for example, in terms of visa requirements, for overseas veterinary surgeons who wish to live and work in the UK.
"We also considered this a vital piece of preparation for the UK leaving the EU, as around half of those registering as veterinary surgeons with the RCVS in a given year are non-UK EU nationals and we would not want to see this vital supply of veterinary talent immediately dry up should ‘freedom of movement’ end when the UK leaves the EU.
"We thank Mr Javid for accepting the Committee’s proposals and congratulate his successor Priti Patel on her appointment and look forward to the decision being implemented. The new Prime Minister pledged on the steps of Downing Street to do more to promote the welfare of animals, and having veterinary surgeons on the Shortage Occupation List will help in our mission to uphold animal health and welfare and ensure that vital veterinary work can continue to get done, whatever happens with the relationship between the UK and the EU."
George Philippus Hauptfleisch faced three charges in relation to allegations of clinical failings surrounding three patients:
The first charge surrounded the allegations that in 2018, Mr Hauptfleisch failed to provide appropriate and adequate care to Steel, a Cane Corso Mastiff, in that he performed surgery outside of his competence, failed to offer a reasonable range of treatment options as alternatives, failed to make adequate enquiries about the possibility of a referral to a specialist, failed to obtain informed consent to the surgery, and failed to maintain adequate clinical records.
The second charge, in relation to a German Shepherd, alleged that in 2019, Mr Hauptfleisch failed to provide appropriate and adequate care when he undertook surgery which was outside of his competence and failed to undertake the surgery to an adequate standard, failed to note sufficient details to show that informed consent for the surgery had been obtained, and failed to maintain adequate clinical records.
The third charge, in relation to a Retriever, alleged that Mr Hauptfleisch failed to provide appropriate and adequate care with regards to surgery he performed when it was outside of his competence, failed to undertake the surgery to an adequate standard, failed to note sufficient details that showed informed consent had been obtained, and failed to maintain adequate clinical records.
Prior to the hearing, Mr Hauptfleisch made an application to the Committee to dispose of the matter by way of adjournment for an indefinite period, against his undertakings to request the Registrar to remove him from the Register, and never to seek restoration to the Register.
In deciding whether to grant the application, the Committee took into account a number of factors.
These included the fact that Mr Hauptfliesch had, in December 2021, returned to South Africa, after a career of over 32 years in the UK, and now resides there permanently, the fact that he has no intention of moving back to the UK, and that he had not practised as a veterinary surgeon since the day he left.
He had also removed himself from the equivalent register in South Africa and the Committee noted that the RCVS would inform the South African Veterinary Council of the outcome of these proceedings.
The Committee also noted that there were no previous disciplinary findings against him, that Mr Hauptfleisch now spends the majority of his time undertaking charitable activities, including running a mentoring programme for young people, and, that he expressed deep regret for anything which he did or did not do which failed to protect the welfare of animals or caused upset to his clients and fellow members of the profession.
Mr Hauptfleisch also drew attention to the fact that the charges did not allege dishonesty and that the reputation of the profession would be upheld as Mr Hauptfleisch would no longer practise as a veterinary surgeon and would not return to practise.
Therefore, it would not be proportionate, nor in the public interest, for there to be a lengthy contested hearing resulting in substantial costs for both the RCVS and for Mr Hauptfleisch.
Hilary Lloyd, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “Taking into account the removal from the Register and the respondent’s undertaking never to apply for restoration, in conjunction with all of the circumstances, the Committee was satisfied that allowing the application would be sufficient to uphold the public interest, confidence in the profession and the RCVS as a regulator, and protect the welfare of animals.
“As a result of all the factors set out, and taking into account the nature of the charges which relate to the alleged inadequate standard of clinical practice, the Committee decided that this is not a case in which there were wider issues relevant to the profession at large, such as those which had public policy implications and which required full consideration at a hearing.
“The Committee was satisfied that neither the public interest nor the welfare of animals demands that there be a full hearing in this case.
“Taking into account proportionality and weighing in the balance all the circumstances of the case, the interests of justice, the public interest, the need to uphold proper standards of conduct and performance, and the need to protect the welfare of animals, the Committee decided to grant the respondent’s application.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/
The charity says that it had already been suffering a period of 'dire financial constraints' and the economic effects of coronavirus are now having a direct effect on funding.
The charity's Trustees and Executive Committee is still trying to find emergency funding to try and save the organisation, failing which it will close on the 31st March.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has highlighted recent studies which, the company says, prove that feeding a food enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils to dogs with osteoarthritis results in a reduction in NSAID dosage of up to 25%1, owner observed improvements in clinical signs3, and improved weight bearing ability2, 7
The claim that food can effectively support medical treatment follows in the wake of two published and one in press study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (JAVMA). These demonstrate that omega-3 enriched food (in this case Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Canine) has significant effects on weight bearing and helps reduce NSAID dosage by up to 25 per cent, when fed to dogs with osteoarthritis 1, 2,3.
According to Hill's, the research demonstrates that in dogs the high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils can down-regulate the cartilage degrading enzyme aggrecanase1. In vitro studies have also identified that EPA resulted in a reduction in the amount of degraded cartilage residue produced4. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids can also help to reduce inflammation5,6.
The two studies that were recently published confirm that feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids aids in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs2,3. The randomized double-blinded controlled trials were carried out over three and six months respectively and involved a total of 165 dogs identified as suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis. After collating the results from almost 25,000 trial days, researchers were able to confirm a significant 'clinical improvement' from feeding a food fortified with fatty acids.
In the first study described in JAVMA, researchers found evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils resulted in improvements in weight bearing2. Objective measurement using force plate gait analysis demonstrated that dogs fed a test food fortified with fatty acids were seven times as likely to show improved weight bearing compared with dogs fed a control food.
In the second study, through a detailed questionnaire, owners also observed significant improvements in their dog's osteoarthritic condition3. Improvements observed covered the following signs: difficulty in rising from rest, limping, stiffness, soreness when touched, yelping or whimpering in pain, aggression, lagging on walks, reluctance to play and overall activity level.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition, manufacturer of Prescription Diet j/d, which is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, hailed the results as a breakthrough in the field of nutrigenomics (the study of the effects of nutrition on gene expression): "This research points the way to a new model for the management of osteoarthritis, using a clinically proven food to interrupt the cycle of damage and cartilage degradation, alongside graded levels of NSAIDs and proactive programmes to manage weight and adjust exercise routines. Clinicians now have the conclusive proof they need to recommend feeding omega-3 enriched food to ameliorate the signs of osteoarthritis in clients' pets and to adjust NSAID doses accordingly."
For further information on Hill's Prescription Diet j/d, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438.
References1. A multicenter study of the effect of a therapeutic food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on the Carpofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Fritsch A, Allen T, Dodd C, JAVMA in press2. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs. Roush J, Cross A, Renberg W, Dodd C, Sixby K, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp67-733. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Roush J, Dodd C, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell D, Schoenherr W, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp 59-664. Eicosapentaenoate supplementation abrogates canine articular cartilage degeneration in in vitro explant culture systems, Caterson B, Cramp J, Little C B et al, Hills European Symposium on osteoarthritis and joint health 2005 14-195. Dietary modification of inflammation with lipids, P C Calder, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2002 345-3586. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production, James M J, Cleland L G, Gibson R A, Am J Clin Nut 2000: 71 suppl 343S- 358S7. Vasseur PB, Johnson AL, Budsberg SC, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of the efficacy of carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1995; 206 (6): 807-811.
The one hour meeting will take place at 8:00pm on Wednesday 5th May. It will be recorded and available after the event. Simon will begin with a brief background to IR35 and how the system has worked historically. He will then explain what has changed and what the options are for locums (and the impact on their income). The meeting will consider things like the criteria that locums need to fulfill to qualify as sole traders, how to use CEST and alternatives to IR35. There will then be an opportunity to ask questions. All registrants are being invited to submit questions in advance, and the plan is that on the night, groups of four participants will be invited to put their questions to Simon together, in a sort of mini discussion. This'll be repeated as many times as possible within the hour. The meeting is the first in a series planned for VetSurgeon and VetNurse members to meet up, share ideas and make better connections with each other. To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rf-GurDIsGdP7UXuJn8TJChZiyXMbdKP_
For more information about Moore Scarrott, see: https://www.moore-scarrott.co.uk
Abbeydale says this was a particularly special achievement because it was its first full inspection as a training provider.
Sam Morgan RVN, a director alongside Kirsty Gwynne RVN, said: "The inspectors were particularly impressed by our ambitious curriculum which reflects current industry practice, our ability to link on and off-the-job training, and how senior leaders and tutors support apprentices to understand career pathways.
“We are proud that our hard work has been recognised in this way.
"It is a team effort here at Abbeydale and it is a combination of all our tutors, learners, employers, clinical coaches, and governance boards’ input to ensure our provision is fit for purpose.”
The full Ofsted report can be read at www.reports.ofsted.gov.uk
To find out more about Abbeydale Vet Nurse Training visit www.vetnursetraining.co.uk
Photo: R-L Kirsty Gwynne RVN and Sam Morgan RVN.