Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, which is active against fleas and ticks; moxidectin, effective against heartworm, lungworm and some intestinal worms; and pyrantel embonate, effective against gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms).
Dr. Domenico Otranto1, DVM, PhD, DipEVPC, Professor in Veterinary Parasitology at the University of Bari (Italy), said: "The approval of Simparica Trio provides veterinarians a safe and effective option for the treatment of mixed external and internal parasitic infestations in dogs in the form of a new oral chewable.
"Simparica Trio has been shown to rapidly kill fleas and ticks with concurrent efficacy for the prevention of heartworm disease and angiostrongylosis (lungworm disease) and treatment of intestinal round- and hookworms. The convenience of a once monthly chewable tablet helps increase compliance with treatment, giving veterinarians and dog owners confidence in continuous protection."
Dr. Catherine Knupp, Executive Vice President and President, Research and Development at Zoetis, said: "We are excited to bring Simparica Trio to veterinarians in the European Union as a new, effective triple combination parasiticide for dogs."
The stem cells were created as part of a study into feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which the RVC carried out in association with the Animal Health Trust (AHT), The Beryl Evetts and Robert Luff Animal Welfare Trust (BERLAWT), The Winn Feline Foundation and Boehringer Ingelheim.
The RVC says HCM affects about 15% of the feline population in the UK; translating to over 1 million cats. It is caused by genetic mutations which affect the heart muscle cells.
To date, there are no treatments proven to stop or reverse it, leading to a very poor prognosis for affected cats.
This is partly because a major issue with studying heart diseases at a cellular level is that heart muscle cells do not survive in a laboratory environment. When studying human heart cells, this has been overcome by turning ordinary skin cells into pluripotent stem cells (cells able to turn into any tissue in the body).
These are termed 'induced pluripotent stem cells', or iPSCs. It is then possible to generate heart muscle cells to study from these iPSCs.
The research, carried out by Dr Luke Dutton under the supervision of Professor David Connolly, Dr Jayesh Dudhia and Dr Debbie Guest, as part of his PhD at the RVC in collaboration with AHT, has now identified the conditions required to create iPSCs from domestic cat cells.
While creating iPSCs has been done before in wild cats, the RVC believes that Dr Dutton’s breakthrough in creating iPSCs from domestic cat cells is a world first. It sets the scene for further research into how to turn these iPSCs into heart cells and then, once successful, testing drug therapies that could improve outcomes for cats with HCM.
The researchers say that the translational benefits of this project are potentially very significant, as around 1 in 500 people in the UK have HCM, and the condition manifests in humans in the same way.
If the therapies that researchers test on feline heart cells turn out to be effective, this sets the stage for testing these treatments on humans.
Dr Dutton, author of the study, said: "This is an incredibly exciting project, which is only made possible by the generous funding of the BERLAWT, Boehringer Ingelheim and The Winn Feline Foundation.
"Not only is this study the first reported generation of iPSCs from domestic cats, but these cells can now be used in a novel disease model. This will allow us to study the disease processes present in these cats in ways that have not been possible with the ultimate goal of identifying new therapeutic agents that may slow or even stop the disease process. We would then hope to translate these agents into the feline clinic."
Dr Debbie Guest, Head of Stem Cell Research at the Animal Health Trust, said: "This is the first report on the successful generation of domestic cat iPSCs. These cells not only bring hope to cats suffering from HCM, but allow us to develop new tools to study conditions affecting other tissue types in the future."
The Group says the new checklist has been developed to help potential new owners find a happy, healthy kitten, and to avoid the heartache and potential costs involved with taking on a sick kitten or one which is frightened of people.
The Kitten Checklist includes suggestions to view the kitten with its mother, tips on spotting signs of ill health or asking about inherited conditions, what to ask about the kitten’s breeding and history, how to assess its behaviour and judge how comfortable the kitten is likely to be around people.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "Buying or homing a new kitten is a huge decision but as vets we’re aware that many people may make it quite rashly, basing their choice on looks or emotion and not asking the right questions.
"Sometimes it will work out okay but the aftermath of poor decisions can range from frustrating and costly to completely devastating. No one wants to unknowingly take home a kitten that is suffering from a hidden health condition or that will be distressed or anxious in its new surroundings, and no vet enjoys breaking the news that a young animal may need extensive and costly treatment before it has even settled into its new home."
The Kitten Checklist can be downloaded from: http://www.thecatgroup.org.uk/pdfs/The-Kitten-Checklist.pdf.
If you'd like to share the Kitten Checklist on your practice social media page, right click on the image above, save to your computer, upload to Facebook with a comment about the new Checklist, adding the url it can be downloaded from to your post.
The webinar, titled 'Creating a positive relationship with cats and their owners in practice', will take place at 8pm on Wednesday 20 November. It will cover understanding of the cat’s natural behavioural patterns and their influence on feline behavioural responses, which are essential in order for veterinary professionals to effectively handle feline patients.
It will also feature advice on how to see things from a feline perspective and consider ways in which confrontational encounters can be prevented. This, says Ceva, is essential for creating a positive relationship with cats and their owners in the practice environment.
To register for the webinar, which accounts for one hour’s CPD, email: cevauk@ceva.com with your full name, practice name and postcode and the name of the webinar.
The link needed to watch the webinar will be sent back via email.
Ceva says that due to high demand, this webinar will be on a first come, first served basis. The company also recommends that delegates log in via the link in good time on the night to ensure a place.
The popular novels, which were written by real life Yorkshire vet Alf Wight, depicted Herriot - and others like him - as working all hours, doing favours for clients free of charge and being paid in cake, all with scarcely a mention of how he made ends meet.
This misguided image still informs expectations of the profession today, they say.
Henry Tremaine, a specialist in equine surgery and dentistry, said: "The nostalgic thing is of this romantic life driving around in an old car being appreciated by the clients - but actually the reality is working very long hours in stressful conditions with poor reward, being poorly equipped, and with unappreciative clients.
"That’s being consigned to history - gradually - but I think the public still cling onto the notion that that’s what a vet’s life is."
His comments echo those of BSAVA President, Sue Patterson, who earlier this year blamed James Herriot for the assumption among some clients that vets' love of animals would make them prepared to work for nothing: "I think James Herriot is to blame because we’re all supposed to love animals and work for nothing, but we all run businesses."
At the BEVA Congress earlier this month, equine vet and congress speaker, Ben Mayes, who graduated in 1992, also criticised the Herriot legacy for making it harder for vets to achieve a good work-life balance: "We’ve been left in that Herriot mentality, and it was a nightmare."
This week's edition of the Vet Record has six case studies of veterinary surgeons who have pursued careers through non traditional routes, including Peter Harlech Jones, Daniella Dos Santos, (pictured right), and Enrique Vega.
Daniella Dos Santos said: "James Herriot continues to inspire vets and future vets, and we know from our own research that he along with other vets in literature is still very popular across the profession.
"At the same time, the profession is very different to what was depicted in the age of Herriot and it continues to undergo significant change. We need to make sure that there is a diverse range of role models in place that reflect modern demographics and modern ways of working while continuing to inspire future generations of vets."
Adele Waters, Vet Record editor, added: "James Herriot may be a popular cultural figure, but he is 70 years out of date and we should retire him gracefully. With 60 per cent of UK vets being female, Herriot is no longer representative of the modern working vet, and today we should really be talking about Jane Herriot instead."
This year's competition saw over 400 applications from vets from across the profession with a passion for photography, judged by an expert panel which this year was joined by zoologist and wildlife photographer, Victoria Hillman and Guardian picture editor, Eric Hilaire.
Jennifer Dykes won first prize in her category for a photograph of two sheep seemingly 'in conversation' on a misty morning at Castlerigg Stone Circle in the Lake District. She called it ‘Conversations at Dawn (Sheep at Dawn Lakes)’.
Jennifer: "I am overjoyed that my image has been selected as the overall winner of the All Creatures Great and Small category, especially having seen the high calibre of photographs entered in previous years. I’d come across images of Castlerigg stone circle near Keswick before and so I dragged us all out of bed exceptionally early to try and capture the dawn. The combination of the early light and the mist provided the perfect backdrop to the foreground scene; the sheep seemingly completely unfazed by the presence of a few bystanders. Capturing their normality, amidst such beautiful surroundings, was my intention when taking this photograph."
Judge, Victoria Hillman said: "The composition draws you into the sheep, which are an integral part of the image without being front and centre. The light and mist bring a real atmosphere to the image that beautifully sums up the British countryside. It’s a very well thought out and executed image."
In the ‘One Veterinary Community’ category, Laura Caballero Pastor, a small animal vet from Gateshead, won first place. Her photograph depicts a vet helped by the community to vaccinate a dog against rabies in Nepal. She named it ‘One shot, two lives’ and said that the photo was taken during a project where she was part of a veterinary team working with the community to neuter, treat and educate on managing dog populations for rabies and other diseases.
Laura said: "Receiving recognition for this picture enforces my belief in the responsibility that the veterinary sector has to promote animal health to global communities and society. There is a thin line between humans and animals when we talk about diseases. Also, this photo encourages me to continue working on international projects and to be aware of all the amazing possibilities our profession has to offer."
Judge Eric Hilaire said: "With an expressive framing this meaningful picture has captured two important aspects of veterinary work. On one side, treatment, with this team vaccinating street dogs against rabies, on the other, prevention, with this girl holding tight on her booklet."
BVA President Simon Doherty said: "I was pleased to see such a strong portfolio of entries alongside an incredible diversity of subjects. Many congratulations go to our winners Laura and Jennifer, as well as the highly commended selections, and I’d also like to thank everyone who entered."
"I hope it will inspire more BVA members to dust off their cameras, and go and capture some great images for next year."
The winning and highly commended photographs will be exhibited at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea on Thursday 19th September as part of BVA’s Members’ Day. The images can be viewed here.
The College is seeking nominations this year for all six of its awards, all of which will be presented to the successful nominees at Royal College Day 2020, which will take place at 1 Great George Street in July 2020. These awards are:
The Queen’s Medal: the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a veterinary surgeon for a highly distinguished career with sustained and outstanding achievements throughout.
The Veterinary Nursing Golden Jubilee Award: for veterinary nurses who have had a sustained and distinguished career, who can demonstrate a leadership role within the profession and who can act as an ambassador for the value of veterinary nurses and their work.
RCVS International Award: for vets, vet nurses or laypeople who work internationally in making an outstanding contribution to, for example, raising veterinary standards, veterinary education and improving animal health and welfare.
RCVS Impact Award: for vets or vet nurses who have undertaken a project or initiative that has a significant impact on the profession at large, animal health or welfare, or public health. Such impact could have been made through any field of veterinary endeavour, including clinical practice, research, education or veterinary politics.
RCVS Inspiration Award: for vets or vet nurses at any stage of their career who have demonstrated the ability to inspire and enthuse others consistently throughout. It is open to those who have inspired and motivated individuals anywhere within the profession and recognises those who have gone ‘above and beyond’ what may normally be expected from a professional colleague.
Honorary Associateship: conferred on a small number of laypeople each year, in recognition of their special contribution to the veterinary sphere. It recognises the full range of individuals who contribute to the veterinary and animal health sector including scientists, lecturers, journalists, charity-workers, farriers, farmers and those involved in the commercial field.
Niall Connell, RCVS President for 2019-20, said: "2019 was particularly fruitful in terms of the number of nominations that we received for some of these awards, including the Queen’s Medal and the Impact and Inspiration Awards. In fact, those of us who had to compile the shortlist really struggled because of the sheer quality of the nominations we received and the people who were nominated.
"We hope that this will be repeated this year, and I would ask the profession to give some extra thought to making a nomination for Honorary Associateship, an award which is conferred on laypeople who are going above-and-beyond for animal welfare and the veterinary professions.
"In my veterinary career I have met many of these people: the biochemistry lecturers at vet school who gave me a passion for the science behind clinical veterinary medicine; the receptionists who were experts at talking to clients with empathy and kindness, often during distressing situations; and the volunteers who give up their precious free time to help with the smooth running of our PDSA hospital.
"I would urge everyone to have a think about who might be suitable for any of these awards, to find out more about making a nomination on the RCVS website."
To make a nomination, visit www.rcvs.org.uk/honours and click on the link for the specific award.
Applications can be made either through an online application form or by downloading a PDF application form and emailing or posting it to the RCVS.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 10 January 2020.
For an informal talk about the awards and how to make a nomination you can contact Susie Tomlin, Executive Secretary, on s.tomlin@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0761.
Photo: Dr Abdul-Jalil Mohammadzai, one of the recipients of the 2019 RCVS International Award, with the then RCVS President Amanda Boag
The company says that its own market research has found that two out of three pet owners have at least one dog with bad breath, and 90% of owners try a single chew before deciding to buy a bag of 15.
The company also says that in addition to dealing with halitosis, the chews have been scientifically proven to reduce calculus and plaque when given daily1.
Product Manager Claire Lewis said: "We are delighted to be able to add VeggieDent FR3SH singles to the Virbac oral healthcare range. Single chews make a great addition to practice waiting rooms, but can also be a useful tool to promote oral care in consult and even during puppy parties.
VeggieDent FR3SH™ singles are available to order from the veterinary wholesalers now.
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
Reference
There are an estimated 100,000 Persian cats in the UK, popular for their luxurious coat and flattened face. However, many of the health issues identified in the study, including haircoat disorders, dental disease, overgrown nails and eye discharge, may be related to precisely the qualities which have made the breed popular.
The researchers say that the results of the new study will help breeders to select which cats to breed from, veterinary surgeons to spot diseases earlier and owners to ensure that they take preventive measures for common conditions in the breed. They will also help the public understand more about the welfare challenges relating to owning and caring for Persian cats.
By analysing the clinical records of 3,325 Persian cats using the RVC’s VetCompass programme, the researcher found:
64.9% of Persian cats had at least one disorder recorded.
The most common specific disorders were haircoat disorder (12.7%), dental disease (11.3%), overgrown nails (7.2%) and eye discharge (5.8%).
Dental disease was more common in males, while claw/nail problems were more common in females.
The most common causes of death were kidney disease (23.4%) and cancer (8.5%).
The average adult bodyweight of a Persian cat was 3.9 kg.
Male Persian cats (average 4.3kg,) were heavier than females (average 3.4 kg).
The average lifespan of a Persian cat is 13.5 years.
Dr Dan O’Neill, lead author and VetCompass veterinary epidemiologist at the RVC, said: "Welfare concerns over brachycephaly [flat faces) in dogs have been recognised for some years.
"Now, our new study of Persians provides evidence that cats with flattened faces are similarly predisposed to some unpleasant and debilitating conditions.
"Hopefully this evidence baseline will kick-start demands to reform the Persian breed’s health by breeding towards a less extreme body shape. Additionally, owners of Persians need to be especially alert to dental, eye and haircoat issues in their cats and seek treatment at the earliest signs of ill-health."
Danièlle Gunn-Moore, Professor of Feline Medicine, University of Edinburgh and co-author said: "Along with growing health and welfare concerns for brachycephalic dogs, our studies raise the same concerns for brachycephalic cats. It is essential we recognise that brachycephalic cats have many of the same problems as brachycephalic dogs, with the most severely brachycephalic individuals having the most serious health problems. We need to start breeding away from extreme brachycephalia before we cause even more harm to these gracious creatures."
Photo: Danièlle Gunn-Moore
Nerfasin vet is available in two concentrations - a 100 mg/ml (10%) solution for cattle and horses and 20 mg/ml (2%) solution for cattle, horses, cats and dogs.
Nerfasin vet is on sale in 25 ml vials.
For more information visit: www.dechra.co.uk.
The review, announced earlier this year, was recommended to RCVS Council by its Standards Committee following its exploration of the implications of new technologies for both animal health and welfare and veterinary regulation.
The main areas under consideration include the provision of 24-hour emergency cover and the interpretation and application of an animal being under the care of a veterinary surgeon.
The initial stages of this review had been drafted for Standards Committee to consider at its meeting on 9 September, where the outline timetable was also discussed.
Standards Committee Chair Melissa Donald, said: "This is set to become one of our most fundamental reviews of RCVS guidance in recent years.
"Considering the complexity of the issues in question, and their importance to animal owners and the professions alike, it is vital that we allow ourselves enough time to ensure this review is as thorough and comprehensive as possible.
"We have a clear responsibility to seek, understand and, where we can, accommodate the opinions and experiences of as many different people from within and around the professions and the public as possible. I would urge my fellow vets and vet nurses to please find some time to consider these issues very carefully over the coming weeks and months, and to send us their views."
The review will comprise several stages and is expected to take around 12 months to complete. The outline timetable, which may be subject to change, is as follows:
October 2019 – January 2020: six-week Call for Evidence, followed by independent qualitative analysis of all evidence received
February – March: Select Committee-style meetings and independent qualitative analysis of additional evidence gathered [NB this stage is subject to Standards Committee requirements, depending on the evidence gathered.]
April – June: Consider all evidence and draft any new policy
July – August: six-week public consultation on draft policy
September – October: independent review of consultation responses, and production of any proposals for change
November 2020: Finalise any proposals for change and publish any new guidance
To support and promote the various stages of the review the College is also planning a programme of stakeholder engagement, and will also provide regular updates on progress to both Council and the wider profession.
Members of the professions and the public will be able to follow the progress of the review via the RCVS website at: www.rcvs.org.uk/undercare
Dexafast is an injectable corticosteroid with potent, medium-acting, anti-inflammatory activity, indicated for the treatment of a range of inflammatory and allergic conditions in both small and large animal clinical practice.
Dr John Henderson, Large Animal Product Manager at Forte Healthcare Ltd said: "Dexafast 2mg/ml is an excellent addition to our range. This formulation of dexamethasone is used across many species on a daily basis, and Dexafast 2mg/ml gives vets a high-quality presentation of a staple medicine."
Dexafast is available in a 50ml bottle.
For further information, contact your local Forte Territory Manager, visit: https://www.fortehealthcare.ie/product/dexafast-uk-only, or email: enquiries@fortehealthcare.com.
The £11m project, which is backed by Mars Petcare, will include a cutting-edge imaging suite, state-of-the-art treatment facilities and a new linear accelerator.
Plans also include separate cat and dog waiting areas and client walking and comfort areas, seven operating theatres, 15 consultation rooms, recovery suites, lecture halls, a dedicated ICU department and plans for a future hydrotherapy suite.
Daniel Hogan, operations manager at Southfields (pictured right), said: "This is a really exciting time for Southfields and our relocation will provide the region with one of the largest and best-equipped veterinary centres in the UK.
"The team and expertise have grown significantly in the past 18 months. We are very excited to continue to expand the unique and innovative offerings in patient care at our centre.
"Increasing in size will also enable us to provide a dedicated staff wellbeing area and an education centre and lecture hall, which will offer some very exciting qualifications and courses for the wider profession.
"Since our rebranding in 2017, we pride ourselves on leading the industry as a truly multidisciplinary centre with specialists from across the globe, including one of the most illustrious oncology teams in the country. Once this new site is launched, we will be able to offer an even more comprehensive service to our clients and patients."
For more information about Southfields, visit www.southfields.co.uk.
The small animal and business meeting takes place on the 2nd and 3rd October. The farm and business national meeting is on the 18th and 19th September, and the equine and business meeting is on the 9th and 10th October.
The small animal meeting will also cover other topics such as the art of conversations to dentistry, while the farm meeting will focus on team working, competitive advantage, genomics and mental resilience.
All three events include a team-based activity and a social evening which offers the chance to network and exchange experiences and ideas.
Susan Goodfellow, the Chief Marketing Officer at XLVets said: "It's fine to know what we do but to actually experience it as part of our community is quite different. We know that talking to members and being part of a group of individuals that come together to determine their own future is the best way for veterinary professionals to see what's possible and how we strive for excellence together."
XLVets is also encouraging anyone who is thinking about starting their own practice to attend the events; the company has a number of programmes designed to support prospective owners with things like finding funding, identifying the right financial set up, and acquiring the skills needed to lead a team effectively.
Susan says many vets have a strong entrepreneurial mindset but lack support or know-how to allow them to take the first step to ownership: "Locum roles and mobile set ups are often stepping stones to practice ownership but the barriers can seem significant, not to mention any personal reservations people might have about all it entails. Support from like-minded colleagues who can openly share their experiences can help to make it seem possible, desirable and achievable."
Veterinary professionals wishing to attend one of the meetings should contact Colm McGinn, Chief of Implementation, in confidence, at colm.mcginn@xlvets.co.uk or call 01228 711788.
The materials include eye-catching waiting room bunting, wall displays, posters, leaflets and leaflet holders which offer hints and tips on how to look after pets while fireworks are going off.
Ceva is also launching a series of eight three-minute fireworks videos which offer advice to owners about how they can 'Help take the fear out of fireworks' and more information about Adaptil and Feliway. The videos are presented by Emma Carr, training and charity key account manager at Ceva Animal Health and are available to download via Vimeo and Ceva’s social media tool kit.
Veterinary practices are being encouraged to use the new materials to take part in Ceva’s annual fireworks waiting room display competition, which offers a £200 voucher for the overall best display and luxury chocolate hampers for 10 runners up (hint: entrants get additional credit if they build a display den and plug in an Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser nearby).
Practices taking part in the competition can post pictures of their dens and waiting room displays on Ceva Animal Health UK's Facebook page in October.
Abigail King, senior behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "The extensive marketing support we are putting behind Adaptil and Feliway in the run up to the fireworks season will help educate pet owners on the measures that can be put in place to help their pets with firework fears, while highlighting the benefits of our products."
For further information, or to request the new waiting room material, contact your local account manager or email: cevauk@ceva.com.
Probably the two most popular social media platforms for veterinary nurses in the UK are Facebook (and its various veterinary groups) and VetNurse.co.uk.
Facebook has the advantage that so many people use it to share photographs with family and friends, so they are already on the site and it is only a very short hop over to participate in a veterinary discussion group. That makes it an excellent way to get a broad opinion on almost any subject.
But, and it is a very big 'but', Facebook was never designed to be a platform for sharing clinical information or discussing cases. So, for example, you cannot see the professional qualifications of anyone contributing to the discussion unless they happen also to be your 'friend', so it can be hard to tell whether they have any idea what they're talking about, or are, in fact, the leading light.
There are various other aspects of Facebook that are problematic when it comes to clinical discussions, including the difficulty in referring back to useful information shared and the way in which 'me too' replies can drown out good quality information.
The survey aims to find out how much of a problem vet nurses think these things are, whether certain groups within the profession could be better served by social media - for example those that may find it daunting asking for help in an online group, and what features nurses would like VetNurse.co.uk to invest in.
The survey can be completed anonymously, but if you give your name at the end, you'll be entered into a draw for a case of champagne (or equivalent).
Take part here: https://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/5196601/Veterinary-Nurses-And-Social-Media-Survey
Please share this story amongst your colleagues!
The video has now been published on Youtube, from where veterinary practices might like to share it with clients on their own websites, by email or on their Facebook page.
In the video, Cat Henstridge MRCVS explains how from November, in the event of no deal, pet owners will need to have visited their vet 4 months before travel and had their pet vaccinated against rabies. They will then need to return for a blood test 30 days later, wait at least 3 months after that test before travel, and get an animal health certificate no more than 10 days before travel. In addition their animal needs to be microchipped.
Defra says owners should also be advised to visit gov.uk and search 'pet travel' for any updates.
Christine Middlemiss, UK Chief Veterinary Officer, said: "This is a reminder for pet owners of our practical and straightforward advice for pet travel if the UK were to leave the EU in a no-deal situation."
To watch and share the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ckhv5YS7Mw.
Tranquinervin, which contains 10 mg/ml acepromazine, is indicated for anaesthetic premedication, tranquilisation and sedation.
Emma Jennings, Brand Manager at Dechra said: "Tranquinervin provides tranquillisation or a mild sedation for several hours, making it a valuable tool for many day-to-day veterinary scenarios.
"At low doses, acepromazine reduces anxiety which is beneficial for use in horses prior to shoeing or transportation. At higher dose rates, it is an effective sedative for use in situations like dentistry or handling. The relaxant effects also aid examination of the penis in horses and the treatment of tetanus and choke.
"There is also reduced anaesthetic risk reported following sole premedication with acepromazine in healthy horses1."
Tranquinervin is available in a 20 ml vial with a 56 day broached shelf life. It can be used in conjunction with Dechra’s equine anaesthesia and analgesia app which is designed to help you choose optimal anaesthetic protocols and calculate anaesthetic drug doses and administration rates quickly and easily.
For more information, go to: www.dechra.co.uk/products/equine
The campaign uses Pennies, the digital charitable giving system which invites you to make a small donation when you pay for something by debit or credit card.
For the last four years, Medivet clients have been invited to make a donation of 50p when paying their veterinary bill, and the millionth donation was made at Medivet 24 Hour Shrewsbury this week.
Medivet says the funds raised have played a crucial role in helping to protect the rhino - enabling Wilderness Foundation Africa's Forever Wild Rhino Protection Initiative to support these critically endangered species across a wide range of activities. This includes the treatment of poaching attack survivors plus the care and rehabilitation of orphaned baby rhinos.
In terms of prevention, thanks to Medivet client donations, two cold scent tracker dogs have been deployed – Ella and Ziggy – who work with anti-poaching units, while support has also been provided for intelligence-sharing amongst local law-enforcement agencies. Funds have additionally been deployed to help drive global awareness, provide community services as well as essential field-based veterinary equipment.
Dr John Smithers, Senior Partner and Project Co-ordinator for Medivet Saving the Rhino, said: "We could not be more grateful to our clients for all they have done to help the survival of this iconic species. Their incredible generosity - combined with the support of our colleagues and partners - has made a real difference in the fight against poaching and we want to thank our clients for every donation made."
In South Africa, the Medivet-supported efforts to reduce poaching are co-ordinated by Dr William Fowlds, a former Medivet employee, who added: "This is a truly remarkable milestone and we are overwhelmed by the kindness of Medivet and its clients. The money raised not only helps protect the rhinos but helps bring to justice those responsible for the destruction of these precious and innocent creatures."
Alison Hutchinson, CBE, CEO of Pennies said reaching 1m donations was a remarkable achievement: “Pennies is proud to support Medivet’s Saving the Rhino campaign, and it’s been so inspiring to see one million individual micro-donations made through the digital charity box over the past four years.
"From all at Pennies, thank you and congratulations to the Medivet team and their hugely generous clients for reaching this milestone, for challenging the rhino poaching crisis in South Africa, and proving that small change truly does add up to mean big things."
Three cheers from VetNurse.co.uk, too. That's a big achievement by Medivet for an important cause.
The VetCompass study, which was based on the records of over 900,000 Westies under the care of UK first opinion veterinary practices in 2016, also found that ownership of Westies has fallen dramatically, to just a quarter of what it was a decade ago. Researchers found that the breed comprised only 0.43% of puppies born in 2015 compared to 1.69% of puppies born in 2004.
The average age of the Westies studied was a relatively elderly 7.8 years, suggesting an ageing population with fewer new puppies entering the population compared to other breed studies carried out by VetCompass.
The most common illnesses suffered by Westies were found to be dental disease (which affects 15.7% of Westies), ear disease (10.6%), overgrown nails (7.2%), allergic skin disorder (6.5%) and obesity (6.1%). Lower respiratory tract disease and cancer were the most common causes of death, with each accounting for 10.2% of deaths in the breed. Spinal cord disorders were the next biggest killer at 7.8%.
Other findings included:
Dr Dan O’Neill, Senior Lecturer and VetCompass researcher at the RVC, who was the main author of the paper, said: "With the ascent of social media as a dominant influencer of public opinion, ownership preferences for dog breeds are becoming increasingly polarised and susceptible to the whims of internet celebrity endorsement and advertising.
"Previously, preferences for dog breeds used to wax and wane gently over time. But VetCompass breed data now show rapid changes in preferences among breeds that create bubbles and troughs of demand that can have far-reaching implications for these breeds.
"Flat-faced (brachycephalic) breeds are currently the darling of the nation but this has created huge welfare problems for breeds such as the Pug and French Bulldog. And breeds such as the West Highland White Terrier and Cavalier King Charles have fallen sharply out of favour."
Camilla Pegram, Veterinary Epidemiologist and VetCompass researcher at the RVC, who co-authored the paper, said: "The most common disorders of Westies shown in this study are also common in the wider UK dog population. However, the breed does seem predisposed to lower respiratory tract disease which was a common cause of death in the Westie. Owners should be aware of this as their Westie ages.
"What is particularly interesting is the level of skin disorders, which although relatively high, are still lower than might have been predicted a decade ago. It is possible that the reduction in Westie ownership has relieved the pressure on breeders to breed from less healthy individuals to meet demand and therefore contributed to improved skin health within the breed. Paradoxically, reducing popularity may have led to better health in the Westies that are now being born."
Royal Canin highlights that obesity is one of the most common diseases that veterinary professionals face, and impacts patients' quality of life1, as well as their life expectancy2,3. Compliance is a common challenge in weight loss and even those that successfully reach their ideal weight frequently regain weight later. It therefore makes sense, says the company, to focus on prevention as well as long term management for obese cats and dogs.
Caroline Burke, Royal Canin UK Weight Management Specialist said: "Obesity is one of the most common diseases that vets and nurses see in practice, and this webinar is the latest in our programme of education around weight management. Vets and nurses will have the opportunity to learn about how they can help prevent, as well as manage obesity in practice, allowing them to truly make a difference to the lives of their patients."
Alex added: "Obesity is an ever-growing issue for cats and dogs, understanding the risks and prevention techniques is paramount for both pet owners and industry experts.
"This webinar aims to suggest how a lifelong practice monitoring programme can be implemented for the prevention of obesity. Whilst also reviewing the outcomes of weight management and defining types of prevention techniques which can be implemented."
To register for the webinar, 'How to be proactive rather than reactive for effective, preventative obesity management’, visit: https://vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk/cpd/webinar/
References
Kate, who has worked in practice for 30 years, said: "Pilates does more than just give you a strong core. By tapping into your mental wellbeing even for a short period, it allows that disconnection from the pressures of the day, and encourages the mind to press that reset button. We draw attention to our breathing, our physical well-being, and our mental health.
"By introducing practice pilates once or twice a week, you will find your staff will feel relaxed, mentally calm and engaged. You will also begin to find that they will suffer less and less with those aches and pains brought on by sitting for long periods, and so will suffer less with, and even eradicate lower back pain."
"By helping you practice pilates together as a team, I aim to nurture friendships, allay any clustering of personalities and provide a stable platform for all to be equal."
Practice Pilates has a network of instructors which are allocated to certain regions around the country, and Kate says the aim is to roll out the service, and cluster visits in each area, to keep costs low.
Sessions typically last 45 minutes to one hour, so they can fit into a lunch break.
The company offers a monthly subscription which provides slightly lower per class rates, or a Pay As You Go option. The service is being launched with reduced rate taster sessions.
For information, telephone Kate on 07780 603534 or email: practicepilates@outlook.com.
The Disciplinary Committee heard three charges against Dr Jones.
The first and second charges were that, in March 2018, Dr Jones made signed entries in the passports and made corresponding entries in clinical records of four horses indicating that he had administered an influenza vaccination booster to each horse on 15 March 2018 and in relation to another horse a tetanus booster, when in fact he had administered the vaccination boosters on 21 March 2018, and that his conduct was misleading, dishonest and undermined the integrity of a vaccination process designed to promote animal welfare.
The third charge was that, on or around 21 March 2018, Dr Jones failed to make any entries in the clinical records for a horse in relation to an examination on 21 March 2018.
At the outset of the hearing Dr Jones admitted the facts in the first and second charges, and accepted that his actions were misleading, dishonest and that they undermined the integrity of a vaccination process. However, he disputed certain aspects of the written statements of the College’s witnesses. In particular he wanted his conduct to be taken in the context of the pressures that he was working under on that day, primarily that he was in a stressed state having had to euthanase a valuable stallion at the conclusion of his previous client appointment.
Dr Jones did not admit the third charge, explaining that he did not remember examining the horse on 21 March 2018 as alleged.
Based on Dr Jones' own admissions, the Committee found the first and second charges proven.
Regarding the third charge, the Committee heard evidence from the horse’s owner who said they were present during the examination taking place and the Committee was satisfied that the respondent did examine the horse on 21 March 2018 and that he had a duty to make a brief clinical note on the examination. As Dr Jones admitted that he made no such note, the Committee found the charge to have been proven to the requisite standard.
Having found the charges proven, the Committee then went on to consider whether or not Dr Jones’ proven conduct amounted to serious professional misconduct. The Committee, having considered the aggravating and mitigating factors, found that Dr Jones’ conduct as found proved in relation to both charges one and two, did constitute serious professional misconduct.
However, with regards to charge three, the Committee accepted that the respondent simply forgot that he had examined the horse and, therefore, the Committee was not satisfied that the failure to compile a record entry covering the horse’s examination constituted serious professional misconduct.
The Committee then considered what sanction to impose on Dr Jones in relation to the facts found proven in charges one and two. In doing so it took into account the 78 written testimonials and 4 character witnesses called on behalf of Dr Jones.
Ian Green, who chaired the Committee and spoke on its behalf, said: "The Committee’s decision on sanction has been based on an acceptance that the respondent’s conduct on this occasion was out-of-character, as the evidence of his character witnesses and the contents of the letters submitted in his support by his clients and other veterinary colleagues assert. The Committee also accepts that the respondent self-reported himself to his employer and to the College and has made a full and frank admission of his wrongdoing.
"Consideration was given to whether the sanction of a reprimand and/or warning as to future conduct would adequately reflect the gravity of the misconduct, however, after careful reflection it was concluded that such a sanction could not be justified. The reason is that acts of falsification involve acts of dishonesty by a professional person acting in a professional capacity, and the gravity of the matter arises not simply from the dishonesty but also from the possible consequences of the false certification. It should be clearly understood by members of the veterinary profession that, in appropriate false certification cases, the sanction of removal from the Register is one which may well be imposed."
The Committee therefore decided that suspending Dr Jones from the Register for two months would be the most appropriate sanction.
There are only 11 other practices in the UK that hold the Gold Standard Award for rabbit care. To achieve it, Valley Veterinary Hospital had to demonstrate excellence across all aspects of rabbit care, including pain relief and management, dentistry and airway management.
The practice was commended on its top-quality facilities, including a dedicated exotic department with separate waiting and consulting rooms, as well as kennel areas for rabbits to keep them away from larger animals, relieving them of stress and anxiety.
Valley Veterinary Hospital exotic animals specialist, Tariq Abou-Zahr, BVSc CertAVP(ZooMed) MRCVS (pictured right), said: "I am absolutely delighted that Valley Veterinary Hospital has met the grade to achieve the first RWAF gold status in Wales. I believe that rabbits are just as deserving of excellent veterinary care as cats and dogs, and I am so pleased that I work in a veterinary hospital where we have the facilities to provide this standard of care.
"Rabbit medicine has always been an interest of mine, and I’m very grateful to Vet Partners for investing in such great facilities and to RWAF for considering our application and granting us Gold status."
Applications for the Awards are assessed by Dr Richard Saunders BSc Hons MSB CBiol DZooMed MRCVS, one of the UK’s leading specialists on rabbit welfare and veterinary advisor for RWAF.
Dr Richard Saunders BSc Hons MSB CBiol DZooMed MRCVS, who assesses applications on behalf of the RWAF, said:
"As a dedicated rabbit charity aiming to improve the wellbeing and welfare of domestic rabbits throughout the UK, our requirements to meet a Gold standard in rabbit care are very high. Valley Vets has met all of these standards and I’m delighted to reward a practice in Wales who have demonstrated that they are as passionate about rabbit care as we are.”
The RWAF has published a list of award-winning rabbit-savvy practices on its website which can be viewed here: https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-care-advice/rabbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/
Any veterinary practices interested in applying for the Rabbit Friendly Vet List should visit https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-vets/vet-membership/
Encouragingly, 88% of the 5046 people surveyed said they keep guinea pigs in groups of two or more, as is recommended by experts and, in fact, required by law in Switzerland. 88% also said they provide their guinea pig with additional space to roam outside of their housing.
Although only 3% of guinea pig owners said they insure their pet, 67% said they take their guinea pig to see the vet once a year or more.
When it comes to nutrition, 76% of owners say they believe feeding hay is the most important part of their guinea pig(s) diet and 65% say it is their guinea pigs’ primary food source. Burgess says that in an ideal world 100% of guinea pigs would be fed hay as their primary food source, so 65% shows there is room for improvement.
Peter Lancaster, marketing manager at Burgess Pet Care said: "Guinea pigs make fantastic pets but, as with other small animals, they have very particular needs when it comes to their welfare. Thankfully, according to the findings of our census, we found that the majority of guinea pig owners who provided answers on the five welfare needs – diet, company, health, environment and behaviour, are conscientious with their care, reflecting their dedication to keeping their pets happy.
"It was fantastic to see the number of guinea pig owners entering the census keep rising by the day, and we’re reassured that there are thousands of well-informed owners out there. However, despite these resoundingly positive findings, there is always work to be done when it comes to improving standards of animal welfare. The information we’ve received from this census does identify the gaps of knowledge in certain areas, and we anticipate these gaps to be much larger when it comes to less-informed and engaged guinea pig owners."