Linnaeus says the team will focus on three priorities: student and patient care assistant experience, the professional development of nurses, and a preceptorship (Post-Registration Programme) to support the transition from ‘day one’ to ‘year one’ nurses in the company's referral hospitals.
Andrea Jeffery, Chief Nursing Officer at Linnaeus said: "We want to ensure Linnaeus has a veterinary nursing population which is supported and developed in order to reach its full potential in its ability to deliver best patient care.
"To help achieve this, we aspire to enable the patient care and nursing team to achieve success through supportive, well managed training programmes, which our newly-established central support team will help to deliver.
"This will ensure the structure of our nursing teams can help each individual meet their personal goals, with clear progression opportunities.
As part of the support team, Student Experience Managers Trish Scorer and Lucy Middlecote will be responsible for developing a standardised and supportive training approach for Student Veterinary Nurses, Patient Care Assistants and those clinical supervisors and mentors who support them.
Meanwhile, Post-Registration Programme Managers Sam Thompson and Sophie Venables are responsible for supporting early career nurses to develop their skills in referral nursing and will support the development of ‘day one’ RVN post-registration training within the group’s referral practices.
Lastly, professional Development Managers Claire Roberts (primary care) and Vicky Ford-Fennah (referral) have been given responsibility for supporting nurses who join the group, along with the co-ordination, development and implementation of professional development for RVNs and patient care assistants who want to progress their skills and knowledge in specific areas of patient care.
1CPD was launched in 2020 with the aim of providing an easy-to-use platform for veterinary nurses to use to plan, record and reflect on their continuing professional development (CPD).
The workshops, which are taking place on Wednesday 9th December 2020, are designed to help those who are not yet familiar with the platform, or have some limited experience of it but would like some additional guidance.
The first workshop takes place at midday and is for those members of the profession who haven’t yet used the platform. The session will give an overview of how 1CPD works and the benefits of using it for planning, recording and reflecting on CPD. No prior knowledge is assumed, and complete beginners are especially welcome. There'll be an opportunity to ask questions.
The second workshop takes place at 7pm and is for those who have some experience of using 1CPD but may have further questions, for example, about how to use some of its features such as the planning module and how to best make use of the reflective notes and comments feature.
Both of the workshops will last for approximately an hour each.
Susan Paterson, Chair of the RCVS Education Committee, said: “We’ve seen fantastic take up of the 1CPD platform in less than a year – with around 65% of UK-practising veterinary surgeons and an amazing 80% of veterinary nurses using it to plan, record and reflect on their professional development. The feedback that we receive has been overwhelmingly positive, with the even the more technically-challenged amongst us finding 1CPD intuitive.
"Although the numbers are very encouraging, there is a cohort of people who have not yet actively engaged with the platform and maybe are unsure about using it or are put off by the thought of having to learn how to use a brand new online system. The aim of these workshops is to guide and reassure those who are hesitant that the 1CPD system is very simple and easy-to-use with lots of useful features. In the long run, it will save you a lot of time and effort when it comes to recording your CPD because it’s there on your phone or tablet, ready to update as-and-when you need to."
Richard Burley, Chief Technology Officer for the RCVS, added: “We are very glad that the 1CPD platform developed by our team here has been so well received. We are continuing to improve and update the platform based on user feedback to improve its design and usability and would welcome any further constructive comments that members of the professions have about it. We do hope you those who are both unfamiliar with the system, and those who have used it but need further advice, can join us for these sessions to find out both how to use 1CPD and how to get the best out of it.”
To sign up to one of the workshops, visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/1cpd-online-workshop.
For those who aren’t able to make it on the day, recorded versions of all of the workshops will be made available to watch again after the event.
To download 1CPD as an app for use on iOS (Apple) or Android devices, or to access the web version, visit: www.rcvs.org.uk/1CPD
Remember, you can record time spend helping each other on VetNurse.co.uk towards your annual CPD requirement. See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNia_du3PYw
The College is the first UK centre to offer the course, and says it provides a new route for career progression for RVNs working in clinical practice who are looking to expand their clinical skills and knowledge.
Clare Renwick, Lecturer in Veterinary Nursing at Askham Bryan College said: "The Veterinary Nursing team at Askham Bryan College has developed an industry-relevant programme of study that fits in with both the personal and professional lives of learners.
"Taught primarily online over one year, students will be provided with all the tools and resources required to develop their knowledge through evidence-based nursing, industry-expert guest lecturers and professional discussions. In-person practical sessions will allow the RVN to extend and demonstrate their practical expertise ready for assessment.
"We are very excited to roll out this course which we feel will fill enhance our current offering in the subject area.”
The course involves completion of modules that extend skills and knowledge when leading consultations and clinics.
It is a regulated level 5 qualification and offers Suitably Qualified Person (SQP) registration following successful completion of assessments allowing the RVN in practice to further extend their nursing clinic offerings to pets and their owners.
Applications are now being accepted for a February 2021 intake.
For more information, visit http://www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/ or contact: tracey.seymour@askham-bryan.ac.uk or clare.renwick@askham-bryan.ac.uk.
The UK-Veterinary Antibiotic Resistance and Sales Surveillance (UK-VARSS) annual report shows that while sales of antibiotics increased slightly by 1.5 mg/kg to 31.0 mg/kg in comparison to the previous year, this was offset by a reduction in use of the more potent critical antibiotics.
UK veterinary antibiotic use in 2019 was the second lowest since the start of regular reporting, and the UK has one of the lowest levels in Europe.
Between 2018 and 2019 there was a 21% drop in of use of Highest Priority Critically Important Antibiotics (HP-CIAs) in food-producing animals, which account for 0.5% of total antibiotic sales. The UK has also seen an overall reduction in the level of resistance in E. coli from healthy pigs at slaughter since 2015 and resistance to HP-CIAs in E. coli is at very low levels.
Peter Borriello, Chief Executive Veterinary Medicines Directorate said: "In the last five years we have worked closely with the farming industry and veterinary profession to achieve huge reductions in use of antibiotics in animals.
"This demonstrates how farmers and vets have been working together to use antibiotics responsibly while safeguarding the health and welfare of our livestock.
"The UK Government will continue to work with industry to focus on infection control, reducing the need to use antibiotics to treat disease and maintain the UK’s world leading standards in animal welfare."
Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said: "I am delighted that the UK continues to lead the way as one of the lowest users of antibiotics in livestock across Europe.
"These findings are testament to the hard work of the UK’s farmers and vets to use antibiotics responsibly in order to tackle antibiotic resistance and protect our most critically important antibiotics in human health, while also reducing the burden of disease in animals."
The events will cover a range of subjects designed to boost morale, positively influence wellbeing and reduce the impact of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). They will also demonstrate how to support employees and colleagues to ensure work is sustainable, productive and enjoyable and guide veterinary professionals through mechanisms to make working life a more positive experience, despite the current climate.
The series will feature 30-minute presentations by wellbeing professionals such as sports psychiatrist, Dr Claire Gillvray (pictured right), human factors specialist, Dan Tipney, and occupational psychologist, Prof Elinor O’Connor.
The full programme is:
Liz Barton, co-founder of WellVet, said: “WellVet exists to provide practical tools and a supportive network to help positively influence and improve wellbeing and boost morale. This programme of events is designed to answer specific challenges we’re experiencing – now more than ever in veterinary teams, and to bring us together for a bit of festive cheer."
Emma McAnally, territory manager at Boehringer Ingelheim. said: “During these challenging times, work and life in general can often seem overwhelming. We are delighted to support the WellVet Winter Wellbeing series to help improve wellbeing both in the work and home environments.”
For further information on the WellVet Winter Wellbeing series and for details on how to join visit www.wellvet.co.uk.
Nutritional researcher Brian Zanghi from the Purina Institute will also share some of his work, which has focused on nutrient-enriched ‘water supplements’ and the impact on voluntary water intake.1
Purina says various studies have shown an association between increased water intake and improved outcomes in cases of feline lower urinary tract conditions.2,3 Encouraging water intake may also benefit cats with renal disease or chronic constipation, as well as older animals with osteoarthritis who might be less keen to make repeated trips to their water bowls.
Libby Sheridan, MVB, MRCVS, Purina Veterinary Technical Affairs Manager, UK & Ireland, said: "The importance of good hydration is often under estimated and there are so many factors that can influence intake – from the position of the water bowl, to materials used in the bowl construction and even the level of fill. Deciding when and how to promote increased intake can be difficult and we hope this session will help vets and vet nurses to make those decisions.”
The lecture programme will include a review of clinical evidence, discussion of the benefits of increasing water intake and practical case-based advice from Sarah and Andy. The event will be recorded for registrants who cannot attend on the day and registrations are accepted until the event starts on the evening of 9th December.
Registration is now open at https://www.bigmarker.com/closerstill-media/You-can-lead-a-cat-to-water-but-how-do-you-make-them-drink. All registrants will be entered into a prize draw to win one of ten goody bags which will include a premium water bottle.
For more information, contact the Purina Veterinary Nutrition Team on 0800 212161.
References
The new RUMA Companion Animal and Equine Group will initially focus on encouraging efforts to promote responsible antibiotic use.
Steve Howard, head of clinical services at the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals and secretary general of the new group, said: "RUMA has spearheaded successful efforts to steward antibiotic use in farmed animals over the past five years, and we would like to see whether its principles can augment the considerable progress that’s already been made in the companion animal and equine sectors.
"The most notable of RUMA’s initiatives is the Targets Task Force, which has seen leading vets and farmers from each species working together with industry groups to develop meaningful goals for reducing, refining or replacing antibiotic use.
"Through establishing such proactive approaches towards antibiotic stewardship in companion animals and equines, we hope to optimise their health and welfare – as well as that of humans and the environment."
RUMA says that although total antibiotic sales are significantly lower for companion animals compared with the farming sector, even relatively low use can result in resistance to key medicines if good stewardship principles are not applied.
The collaboration will cover use of medicines in dogs, cats, rabbits, small mammals, exotic animals kept as pets, and equids. The aim is for the UK to lead the way in these sectors through evidence-based and measurable activities that will promote and enhance stewardship.
Gwyn Jones, chair of the new group (pictured right), said: "As a collaborative group we need to establish evidence-based protocols for reducing, replacing or refining antibiotic use in companion animals, to further help preserve and prolong the use of these vital tools for human and animal health.
“Efforts will be focused towards identifiable goals so that progress can be monitored and demonstrated. But we will also promote practical, practice-level resources, guidance and measures aimed at driving positive behaviour changes and protecting patients and practitioners alike."
The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, is for early-career vets who have gone above and beyond the usual call of duty or who are making a difference within their community or the veterinary profession. Fabian was picked out of three finalists at a virtual award ceremony last night.
The judges said he'd wowed them with his ongoing proactive contributions to the veterinary profession and his passion for raising awareness around exotic animal care.
Fabian is a practising vet and the latest member of the team on CBBC children’s TV show, ‘The Pets Factor’. He is also a recent graduate member of BVA Council.
In his spare time, he is an active writer. Whilst attending the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Brno, which he graduated from in 2018, he wrote his own student blog, ‘Dready Vet’. Since then, he has published several articles on a variety of topical and important issues such as ethnicity and race, diversity within the profession, feminism, Halal slaughter and reptile health and welfare.
The judges credited Fabian for his passion for communicating the complex welfare needs of non-traditional companion animals to the public.
Fabian said: "First of all I’d like to pay tribute to Nat and Ben and all the nominees. They are really important to where the veterinary profession goes in the future and I’m indebted to them for what they’ve been able to do in a short period of time. They are an inspiration to me.
"Thank you to the judges. It’s really important that we start to celebrate each other and celebrate our wins. This is something I’ve tried hard to do this year.
"Thank you to everyone who’s supported me and been part of this journey. It means a huge amount.”
BVA President James Russell said: "Fabian has made a significant impact within the profession and beyond. The broad reach of his work – on issues that affect our profession and animal welfare – has made a national impact and promoted our profession to new audiences of all ages.
"During a particularly challenging year for all of us, Fabian has shown immense leadership and he is a truly deserving winner of the BVA Young Vet Award 2020."
The Allium species includes onions, garlic, and their relatives. All members of the Allium family are poisonous to cats and dogs and even minimal amounts can be dangerous. For example, a 5kg cat would only need to ingest 1-2 garlic cloves to show clinical signs. Poisoning causes haemolytic anaemia with treatment being supportive, as there is no antidote. In severe cases blood transfusions may be required.
Powdered versions of these plants are more concentrated and are often used in gravy and stuffing in the traditional Christmas dinner, so toxicity can occur much more easily.
Will Peel, Product Manager at TVM UK said: "Alliums are toxic to animals and as there is no antidote it’s important that veterinary staff are fully prepared and are able to react quickly and provide the best care possible.
"Our focus is on helping veterinary staff prepare for all eventualities so we hope that these new guidelines will prove beneficial."
The guidelines can be downloaded for free from https://www.tvm-uk.com/vet-resource-library/.
Ian, who helped devise the PROTECT ME acronym which is now used worldwide to champion the cause of responsible antimicrobial use, said: "Antimicrobial resistance is one of the greatest threats of our time and it affects all sectors of the veterinary profession.
"While there will always remain a need for the use of antimicrobials for the treatment of bacterial infections, it is the duty of every one of us to continue our good work to protect their usage to ensure they remain effective for the future."
PROTECT ME stands for Prescribe only when necessary, Reduce prophylaxis, Offer other options, Treat effectively, Employ narrow spectrum, Cure appropriately, Tailor your practice policy. Monitor, Educate others.
Ian added: "I discussed the issue of restricted prescribing with my Doctor when he was treating my injury back in 2011
"Discussion on the Small Animal Medicine Society (SAMSOC) forum followed and then we developed a working group.
"I came up the name PROTECT when I was in the shower one day experimenting with acronyms on the shower cubicle wall!
"Collaboration with BSAVA enabled the scheme to launch in 2012 and then BEVA adapted the scheme and added the ME.”
PROTECT ME is now used for BSAVA and BEVA’s antimicrobial resources and campaigns and has also been taken up in New Zealand and been translated into French.
Rachael McGregor, Clinical Director at Calder Vets in Yorkshire asked Ian for help in developing antimicrobial stewardship guidelines for the practice last year. She said: “Ian helped us to set up prescribing guidelines using a traffic light system, supported a programme of CPD and supplied prescribing posters. This has made a significant difference to prescribing behaviour across the practice and over the past two months we haven’t prescribed a single critically important antibiotic.”
Davies has produced a range of resources for vets and for pet owners including an explanatory poster and a webinar series. For further information visit: https://vetspecialists.co.uk/insights/webinars/antimicrobial-webinars/
The survey of 812 veterinary receptionists, which was carried out in the autumn, found that only 50% of veterinary receptionists are paid more than the UK minimum/National Living Wage.
33% said they worked longer than their contracted hours and 37% said they didn’t receive overtime pay.
As a result, 64% of those questioned felt they were not paid fairly for the responsibilities they carry, which include ensuring practice protocols, handling veterinary medicines, promoting ‘sales’ eg of healthcare plans and dealing with often challenging clients.
Discontent with salary levels was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic. 49% of respondents were furloughed and 91% of them received no top-up pay from their practice in addition to the government’s 80% contribution.
The BVRA says it recommends that Registered Veterinary Receptionists (RVRs) are paid at least £10 per hour, irrespective of their age.
A lack of access to CPD was also an issue. 56% of respondents wanted to update and increase their knowledge but the same percentage claimed a lack of time was a barrier. With 80% of practices not allocating time for receptionists to undertake CPD and 44% receiving no budget for it, one respondent from a corporate practice confirmed that they could only undertake CPD in their own time, even that required by the company, such as training on health and safety and compliance.
While participants expressed a high level of satisfaction with their relationships with vets (71% were satisfied or very satisfied) and nurses (74% were satisfied or very satisfied), the same cannot be said for their relationships with practice managers. Fewer than half (46%) were satisfied or very satisfied with their relationship with their practice manager and 51% were satisfied or very satisfied with their relationship with the Clinical Director or Partner.
Only 26% were satisfied with their working relationship with head office (if part of a corporate group). Relationships were further strained during the COVID-19 pandemic with 71% of those furloughed saying communication with their practice boss had been average or poor.
As a final question, participants were asked to express their satisfaction with aspects of their role:
The BVRA and VMG are joining forces to host a free webinar to discuss the issues raised by the survey and potential solutions. Called 'Tackling Receptionist Morale Together', it will take place from 2.00pm-4.00 pm on Wednesday 25 November. For more information, visit: http://www.bvra.co.uk/event/bvra-vmg-tackling-receptionist-morale-together/
Brian Faulkner BSc (Hons), BVM&S, CertGP(SAM), CertGP(BPS), MBA, MSc(Psych), FRCVS, founder of the BRVA (pictured right), said: “BVRA is always working to improve the recognition, respect and job satisfaction of its members. We are delighted to team up with VMG as another way of doing this, alongside developing the status of a Registered Veterinary Receptionist.
Rich Casey is President of the Veterinary Management Group (VMG) said: “This report is sobering reading as it concerns the careers and wellbeing of a group of people who are essential to the success of any veterinary practice. The VMG is particularly interested in this research as a significant proportion of our members are practice managers and likely to be line managers of the reception team.
Leadership is about recognising when things aren’t working and putting them right. We commend the BVRA for highlighting these issues and we ask all veterinary leaders and managers to join our webinar as we discuss what can be done to resolve this crisis now, as well as the longer-term steps that are needed.”
Mr Chaney was charged with stealing Trazadone and Metacam from the Hampstead practice he worked at, and of unlawfully possessing Trazadone and Metacam. He was also charged with unlawfully administering Butorphanol to a dog and failing to record the administration of the drug in the dogs records. He was also charged with making and deleting false entries into the clinical records of his own dog to the effect that it had been seen by a vet at the practice and that Metacam had been prescribed. The final charge was that his conduct over the false records was dishonest and misleading.
The Committee heard that Mr Chaney’s conduct in relation to the first two charges was discovered when, in July 2018, the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), accompanied by police officers, executed a warrant (for unrelated matters) on the property where he lived. During the course of the search, police officers found Metacam and Trazadone in Mr Chaney’s bedroom which did not seem to have a prescription and so Defra officers launched an investigation.
During the course of this investigation, a Defra investigator was also provided with a video and messages that indicated Mr Chaney had unlawfully administered Butorphanol to a Husky dog in frustration with the animal as it was being too noisy.
The Committee heard that, in November 2018, Mr Chaney accepted a police caution in relation to his possession of Trazadone and Metacam, and the unlawful administration of Butorphanol. The Committee also heard that following the police attending his property and finding the medicines, Mr Chaney went on to create false records at the practice in relation to the examination of his dog in order to justify his unlawful possession of the drugs.
The Committee found all the charges against Mr Chaney proven.
The Committee then went on to consider if the charges, taken both individually and in totality, amounted to disgraceful conduct in a professional capacity.
Judith Way, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee had no doubt that administering a sedative to an animal that required prescription by a veterinary surgeon and then failing to record it in the clinical record with the resultant risk to the animal’s welfare due to lack of knowledge of the administration fell far below the expected standard.
"The Committee also considered that possession of prescription only medicines by a registered veterinary nurse, without the sanction of law, having stolen the same from a practice also fell far below the expected standard.
“The Committee also considered that tampering with the clinical record for a dog, in order to create a misleading impression and in doing so dishonestly, was conduct which fell far below the expected standard.
“Taken as a whole, the Committee considered that Mr Chaney’s conduct had fallen far below the expected standard.”
The Committee therefore found him guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional capacity in relation to all seven charges.
It next went on to consider what sanction, if any, to impose taking into account the aggravating and mitigating factors.
In considering the aggravating factors, the Committee took into account that Mr Chaney’s conduct had presented a risk of injury to the animal and that much of his conduct was pre-meditated. It also considered that Mr Chaney’s conduct involved a breach of trust to both the practice where he was employed and the owner of the Husky, and it was also an abuse of position in gaining access to and stealing medication. Lastly, because the charges related to two separate incidents, there was a common thread in Mr Chaney disregarding rules on veterinary medicines.
In mitigation, the Committee considered that Mr Chaney had reflected on and gained some insight into his behaviour, and acknowledged he had made admissions at the outset of the hearing, including apologising for and showing regret about aspects of his conduct.
However, the Committee did not believe he had addressed his understanding of the effect that this conduct had on the risk to animals, the standards of the profession or the maintenance of public confidence in the profession. In mitigation the Committee also considered a number of positive character references and his previous good character.
Judith Way said: “The Committee determined that it would not be sufficient in the circumstances of the case, to satisfy the public interest to suspend the Respondent’s registration. In its view this case involved a serious departure from identified professional standards. The disregard had been deliberate, in relation to ignoring legislation in respect of prescription-only medication and dishonesty in stealing medication.
"There was evidence of attitudinal issues in relation to that behaviour and insufficient evidence of the development of insight. The dishonesty in relation to the clinical record relating to dog O [his own dog] had been an attempt to conceal earlier dishonesty relating to the theft of the medication. In administering the Butorphanol to dog L [the Husky], Mr Chaney had been putting his own interests in quieting the dog ahead of the dog’s interests, which would have required checking with a veterinary surgeon as to appropriate steps.
"The Committee acknowledged that, by directing removal, there would likely be professional reputational damage to Mr Chaney and possible financial loss. However, in the view of the Committee the requirements of the public interest outweighed these factors.”
Accordingly, the Registrar of the RCVS was directed to remove Mr Chaney’s name from the Register of Veterinary Nurses.
Full details can be found here: https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings/
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).
The talk, entitled “Rabbit Dentistry: It Takes Two”, will be co-presented by Craig Tessyman, an exotics veterinary nurse who works alongside Molly at Rutland House Referral Hospital. Their talk will cover the diagnosis and management of dental disease. It is aimed at any veterinary surgeon or nurse who wants to learn more about best practice in rabbit dentistry.
Molly, who holds both a Certificate and Diploma in Zoological Medicine, said: "Dental disease is common amongst pet rabbits, so small animal vets often need to diagnose and treat dental problems.
"It can be challenging to manage these cases. Our aim with this talk is to help vets improve their clinical approach, and also to provide useful tips for nurses – we want to explain how the practice team can work together with these cases, along our theme of ‘it takes two’."
Molly and Craig’s presentation will cover relevant background on the mechanisms of chewing in rabbits and provide practical advice on recognising and diagnosing dental disease. Physical examination and dental charting will be discussed, as well as dental radiography.
Molly said: "Radiography can be a really useful tool to assess dental disease in rabbits. Vets often aren’t as familiar with positioning and evaluating radiographs of rabbits as compared to cats and dogs, so we’ll give some useful tips on what to look out for."
Molly will share some advice on taking good dental radiographs, and then go into the details of interpretation, explaining how to use imaging to gain a more accurate diagnosis and enable more specific treatment. After this, she will discuss how best to plan and perform dental treatment. Incisor removal, cheek tooth extraction and pulpectomy are some of the topics she’ll cover.
The talk counts for 1 hour of CPD and will be held on 11th November at 12:20pm. Those who can’t make the live session can access a recording afterwards. More information and the sign-up link is available here: https://supremepetfoods.com/rabbit-dentistry-it-takes-two/.
Before becoming a dragon, Jenny worked in banking for 30 years and will be sharing her experiences as an entrepreneur and business leader. She became CEO of cash machine company Hanco, bought out the business, turned it around and sold it for £50 million.
Jenny is supportive of the move to host BSAVA Congress online. She said: “Veterinary communities, like other professions, have seen the value that online technologies can offer, both for networking and socials, as well as essential CPD. We should all embrace these changes and look at the value that they can bring.”
The Congress programme is currently being finalised and the organisers say the emphasis is on ensuring the experience is an interactive as possible for each delegate. It will deliver more than 100 hours of CPD, delivered by globally recognised speakers.
BSAVA Congress 2021 Programme Committee Chair Andy Green said: ‘Whether a virtual or a live event our entire programme is proudly created by the profession, for the profession and we are committed to providing unrivalled education, with topical, clinically relevant and evidence-based content.”
There'll be a virtual commercial exhibition, where delegates will be able to chat with exhibitors from the comfort of their home or consult room. There will also be the ability to network with others in the profession, in face-to-face chat rooms. Professor Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA said: “BSAVA Congress 2021 is going to be one of the most innovative in the history of our events.
"While the pandemic circumstances we continue to find ourselves in are far from ideal, we must continue to evolve and progress as a profession. BSAVA Congress is a unique highlight in our calendar for next year and it is shaping up to be a truly memorable event."
For further information and to register your interest click here: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2021/en/page/home
The new Nutrition VNMA, which starts in March 2021, will be led by Georgia Woods RVN (pictured right) who holds the Canine and Feline Veterinary Health Nutrition Certificate and the American Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) Nutrition Certificate. Georgia is a Royal Canin Weight Management Clinic Nurse at the University of Liverpool, Small Animal Teaching Hospital, where she deals exclusively with pet obesity and nutrition.
The course, which is sponsored by Royal Canin, combines a series of online lectures, a practical teaching day and a variety of resources and quizzes, together with a discussion and Q&A forum.
The learning objectives are that by the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Following completion of the teaching, there is an assessment to help embed the learning experience.
VNs who complete the course will be awarded a BSAVA Veterinary Nurse Merit Award in Nutrition and will receive a certificate and badge. The course is also worth 30hrs CPD.
Lucie Goodwin, Head of Education said: “We are pleased to be able to add this important and highly topical course to our expanding repertoire of learning resources for RVNs. Practices really recognise the value of VNMAs and are continuing to send their nursing teams on multiple courses.”
The nutrition course costs £525.00 for BSAVA Members or £787.50 for Non-Members.
For further information visit: https://www.bsava.com/Education/VN-Merit-Awards or contact us courses@bsava.com
Veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians and certain veterinary paraprofessionals around the world will soon be able to enrol for the first Distance Learning Veterinary Nurse (NCert)/ Veterinary Technician (VTCert)/Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPP) programmes.
The NCert, VTCert and VPP are due to launch in March 2021.
They each consist of eight modules, delivered using interactive online learning techniques. Delegates are guided through each module by a module tutor, while a discussion forum offers them the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with colleagues from around the world. Training in study skills and reflective practice is built into the programme to ensure that a holistic approach is taken to the learning experience.
Dr Charlotte French, Head of Curriculum and Quality at Improve International, said: “We wanted to create an exciting, practical and innovative learning experience that would offer the maximum flexibility to ambitious veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians anywhere in the world, who are keen to advance their career but need to fit their learning around their work and home responsibilities.
"We believe the modular structure and phased delivery of our programmes will offer a new level of accessibility and convenience to our delegates while giving them unique features, such as the opportunity to share their learning with colleagues from around the world and to gain support from vets and vet nurses who are specialised in their field.”
Assessment for the certificates will be undertaken by Improve’s assessment partner the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), and comprises:
Both examinations will be taken online with remote invigilation.
Dr Sheila Wills, Director of ISVPS, said: “Following feedback from candidates and our examiners, we have recently enhanced the examination process we offer to candidates to provide a robust assessment, while giving them the opportunity to clearly demonstrate that their learning has been understood and that they can apply it in a clinical setting.”
Further information on both programmes can be found here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/distance-learning-nurse/
Generally, veterinary practices may remain open, but there are national variations in what services should be offered and how, including the conditions under which remote prescribing can be used to help support a case.
Wales currently has the tightest ‘firebreak’ restrictions, meaning practices can only provide essential and urgent work until midnight on 8 November 2020, thereafter, returning to usual operations in line with Wales’ standard measures around workplace safety.
England and Northern Ireland are under national restrictions (4 Nov – 2 Dec, and 16 Oct – 12 Nov, respectively), meaning practices can provide treatment essential for maintaining animal health and welfare, along with non-urgent work providing that social distancing measures and safe working can be maintained.
Veterinary surgeons practising in these three countries may also choose to support a case remotely at an earlier stage, for example, through the remote prescribing of POM-Vs without first having conducted a physical examination.
Scotland remains the only country under regional tiered restrictions, meaning practices can continue to provide treatment whilst maintaining social distancing; however, before remote prescribing is offered, veterinary surgeons should first consider whether the animal can be brought under their care.
The full guidance and corresponding flowcharts should be consulted together and are available at www.rcvs.org.uk/covidfaq2and www.rcvs.org.uk/covidfaq4.
The company has created a waiting room board kit, social media pack and a video which surgeries can play on waiting room televisions.
The board kit comprises cut out images of items which are commonly found in a typical Christmas shopping basket which can be toxic or dangerous to pets. Meanwhile, the video explains the dangers pet owners need to be aware of throughout the year.
For practices which are limiting the number of people coming into the premises, TVM is also offering waterproof posters which can be displayed outside surgeries, along with Pet Dangers leaflets for clients to take home.
Will Peel, Product Manager of TVM UK, said: ‘We know that poisoning cases increase significantly over the Christmas period and while many pet owners are aware of the items which are toxic to their pets, it’s easy to get distracted during the festive season so the materials we have put together are intended as a reminder to be diligent and keep pets safe from harm.’
To claim your free Pet Dangers practice resource kit, visit https://www.tvm-uk.com/order-your-tvm-uk-christmas-pet-dangers-display-kit, contact your local territory manager, email help@tvm-uk.com or call 0800 0385868.
For the study, 2,834 seizure incident cases were identified from a population of 455,553 dogs attending VetCompass participating practices in 2013.
The study found that that approximately 1 in 160 dogs under first opinion veterinary care are affected by seizures every year.
Many of those dogs will have underlying epilepsy, defined as dogs with two or more unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart. Seizures can be secondary to idiopathic epilepsy, structural epilepsy or epilepsy of unknown cause.
Until now, however, there has been little information on the classifications of seizures, diagnostic approaches, or clinical management of dogs with seizures in the veterinary first opinion population.
The main findings from the research were:
Dr Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer in Companion Animals Epidemiology at the RVC, and author of the paper, said: "Watching your dog undergo a seizure can be an incredibly scary moment for any dog owner. It is really important that dogs that seizure are rapidly diagnosed to decide whether they need no further treatment beyond careful monitoring or alternatively require a clinical work-up to define the cause of the seizures.
"There are now some excellent treatments for many seizure-related diseases. This study helps up to understand the current state of play for seizure management in dogs and identifies opportunities for improved care of these affected dogs."
Reference
The full paper is freely available from Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine and can be accessed here:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jvim.15911
Julia, who is a leading exponent of the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) screening test, will also support the small animal referral hospital’s neurology, ophthalmology and dermatology teams with enhanced diagnostics.
Julia was a neurology technician at the Animal Health Trust for 31 years, until it closed in July 2020. With colleagues there she helped to develop and implement BAER testing as a screening process in animals at risk of congenital deafness. Davies says this is now recognised as the gold standard in deafness testing by organisations such as The Kennel Club and various breed clubs in the UK.
Julia said: “I am so happy to be starting a new chapter at Davies. It is really exciting to be establishing the Hearing Assessment Clinic here and continuing to provide this important service both to previous clients and new ones. I am also looking forward to developing a successful, constructive working relationship with my new colleagues."
Tim Richardson, Managing Director of Davies said: "We are delighted to welcome Julia to the team at Davies. As one of the UK’s leaders in this highly specialised field she enables us to offer hearing screening, hearing tests and electrodiagnostics across the relevant disciplines, at the very highest level."
For further information visit www.vetspecialists.co.uk
For the survey, 565 respondents ranked their levels of concern about different aspects of veterinary life that may be affected by coronavirus.
The top concerns were:
In addition, 42% were very or quite concerned about contracting Covid-19 in their workplace, rising to 55% amongst those working in mixed practice and 50% in small animal/exotic practice.
Respondents were more concerned about stress and burnout amongst their colleagues (67% very or quite concerned) than the impact on themselves (45%), but more than half (58%) of small animal/exotics vets reported being concerned about their own stress and burnout. Managers and employees reported higher levels of concern around stress and burnout than business owners and those who are self-employed.
When it comes to employment, the profession is a bit more optimistic. 23% of respondents are not at all concerned about job security in the veterinary sector, with 43% a little concerned and 31% very or quite concerned. Equine vets (45%) and charity vets (64%) are very or quite concerned about job security in their own sectors, against an average of 23% across all areas of work.
However, 95% of respondents had some level of concern (a little, quite or very) about the potential impact of a recession on the veterinary sector, with government, equine and charity vets most concerned.
The findings will be used to inform BVA’s work on supporting the veterinary profession as the pandemic continues.
BVA President James Russell said: “Although this is just a snapshot survey, it tells us a lot about how our colleagues are feeling six months on from the national lockdown. It paints a worrying, but not surprising, picture about the health and wellbeing of a profession that has worked incredibly hard and in very difficult circumstances this year.
“I’m incredibly proud of the way the profession has adapted to working safely during Covid-19, but we know that it has taken its toll, for example with consults taking longer, needing to cover staff shortages, and dealing with anxious clients.
“BVA also shares the profession’s concerns about the impact on students and new graduates. EMS is the jewel in the crown of UK veterinary teaching and it’s frustrating that opportunities to gain practical training have been hampered by the Covid restrictions. The issue is at the top of our agenda with the RCVS and Vet Schools Council to make sure we can collectively support the next generation of vets through this difficult time.
“As the UK is braced for the second wave, we know we are much better prepared and far more able to work safely to do our bit to tackle the spread of coronavirus. But it’s vital that we continue to support one another, as well as continuing the spirit of collaboration with neighbouring practices that helped us get through the height of the pandemic.
The snapshot survey on Covid-19 is available to view at: https://www.bva.co.uk/media/3781/voice-covid-survey-2020-results.pdf
Equipalazone is most commonly used to treat lameness in equines and can be prescribed as a treatment for osteoarthritic conditions, acute and chronic laminitis, bursitis and carpitis as well as to reduce post-surgical soft tissue reaction.
The new apple-flavoured version, which contains no added sugar, is presented in 1.5g sachets which are added to feed. The existing unflavoured product is still available as Equipalazone Original.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: “The new apple flavoured Equipalazone is the same tried and trusted popular product that vets have been using for many years but the enhanced apple flavour should improve compliance amongst even the fussiest of feeders.
"Equipalazone has been a best-selling treatment delivering powerful pain relief since we brought it to the market as the first microencapsulated phenylbutazone more than 45 years ago. The new apple flavoured presentation will give vets even more choice when it comes to providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment for equine conditions."
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk.
The series looks in detail at some of the most important issues dental specialists are seeing in pets.
The first webinar in the series, which is going live on Tuesday 3rd November at 8:00pm, looks at the impact periodontal disease has on both cats and dogs.
Co-speaker and veterinary dental specialist, Jens Ruhnau DVM, DEVDC (above, left) discusses the importance of understanding and treating the condition: "Research has shown that over 80% of dogs over the age of three, and the majority of cats, are impacted by periodontal disease. Treating the disease early and correctly is key to reducing further spread, secondary infection, and ultimately improving the quality of life of the animal".
The second webinar in the series, which will be live on Tuesday 10th November at 8:00pm, shares advice on treating tooth fractures in pets. Looking at tips on how to perform an effective oral examination, along with reviewing recent studies on the fracture limits of teeth in pet dogs.
Co-speaker and founder of DentalVets, Norman Johnston (above, right) said: "Tooth fractures are very common in both cats and dogs, and can be caused by a variety of reasons. Looking in more detail at the diagnostic process, treatments options and being aware of what objects can cause damage will help veterinary professionals, and in-turn owners, understand more about the risk of fractures."
Both webinars are free to attend, to find out more information and to register click here. https://www.thewebinarvet.com/pages/mars-petcare-free-webinars-tooth-fractures-periodontal-disease
The programme, which will look at the achievements and contributions of people of African and Afro-Caribbean descent, will see Dr Greene being interviewed by presenter Alex Beresford alongside a number of other prominent black Britons including athlete and broadcaster Colin Jackson, publisher and author Margaret Busby, Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees, and nurse and academic Dame Elizabeth Anionwu.
Mandisa said: “I am immensely honoured to be the first Black President of the RCVS and to use this opportunity to speak to the black community, and indeed all communities, about my love of veterinary science and the importance of the work we do in safeguarding animal health and welfare and wider public health.
"I am a great believer in the phrase ‘if you see it, you can be it’ and I hope that my various talks this month and, particularly the upcoming ITV documentary, will help people recognise that veterinary professionals can come from a diverse range of backgrounds and that, provided they have the drive and the ambition, there should be no barriers to them meeting their dreams."