Dorset-based homeopathic practitioner Philippa Rodale, who requested that her name be removed from the RCVS Register in July, has been convicted of cruelty at Weymouth Magistrates Court.
The case related to Mrs Rodale's treatment of a female foxhound called 'Dangerous', which had been brought to her after being hit by a car.
The dog was reported to the RSPCA by a member of the public who was alarmed after seeing the dog lying in the surgery, whining and dragging her back legs. The court heard that at this point, Dangerous had already been in the care of the clinic for 10 days without an x-ray to establish the extent of her injuries or adequate pain relief.
RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths said: "When I found Dangerous she was just lying on a tiled floor with no bedding and only a towel propping up her head, paralysed, and covered in infected pressure sores. She couldn’t even stand up.
"It was a shocking sight and definitely not something that I would ever expect to see anywhere, let alone in a veterinary practice.
"She was clearly in agony and had just not received the level of care and attention that you would expect from a vet. She was suffering so much that sadly a decision had to be made by another veterinary surgeon to do the kind thing and finally put her to sleep.
"The RSPCA exists to protect animals from cruelty and suffering and to defend them when their needs are not being met and we hope that this case goes some way to showing that no-one is exempt from providing animals with the duty of care that they deserve - not only morally, but because it is also the law.”
Mrs Rodale was ordered to pay £4,000 in costs to the RSPCA as well as £520 in court charges and a £15 victim surcharge.
Do you think the RCVS should issue a public statement about homeopathy, and require that veterinary surgeons inform owners about the scientific evidence which demonstrates it is ineffective? If so, visit The Campaign For Rational Veterinary Medicine, and sign the petition.
Picture BNPS
Macahl Animal Health, a new veterinary company which took over the manufacture and distribution of Oralade in the summer, is to make its first appearance at the London Vet Show later this month.
The company will be highlighting its Feed Don’t Fast campaign designed to encourage veterinary professionals to take a much more proactive approach to the early feeding of patients to improve patient outcomes.
Macahl Director Anthony Mackle said, “The Feed Don’t Fast campaign is gathering momentum. We’ve been encouraged by the feedback we’ve had from veterinary practices starting to look at the nutritional needs of their in-patients much earlier than they did before. Rather than waiting to see if a patient will eat or not, they are starting to be more nutritionally-aware, and prioritising feeding in the same way that they prioritise the administration of clinical care or medication. The case studies we’ve received show a clear benefit in early nutrition assisting recovery.
“But we don’t want to sit back and wait for the message to make its own way round: it’s an urgent need. We have to flip the notion of delaying feeding or fasting patients until the gut settles down or they have recovered from whatever condition they were admitted for. Science has moved on. The protocols for human patients recommend early intervention with appropriate nutrition and we need to get this message out to give the same benefits to our pet patients. This is why the educational message of Feed Don’t Fast is so important.”
Macahl says it is making education a key feature of its stand at London Vet Show with technical updates on early feeding of patients and the opportunity to sign up for nutrition and critical care feeding webinars. Staff will be on hand to explain the benefits of early day 1 microenteral feeding to help with the optimal functioning of the gut, and maintenance of the gut-associated lymphoid barrier. The company will be offering a special buy-two-get-one-free LVS promotion on its leading microenteral and rehydration product, Oralade, as well as giving away free dog- and cat-shaped ice cube trays to encourage practice staff to freeze left-over product for further use.
A new website, www.oralade.com will also be launched at London Vet Show which will allow veterinary professionals to access educational materials and videos, and sign up for new and recent webinars.
For more information, visit: www.feeddontfast.co.uk or telephone Macahl Animal Health on (0)28 8778 9245
Husband and wife Cat Henstridge and Dave Hough MsRCVS have set up vCPD, a low cost CPD company based in the West Midlands.
Cat said: "Many of you will have noticed how CPD has become extremely expensive with some of the larger providers. Single days of theory based lectures are often well over £300+VAT, even for vet nurses, and more practical sessions can be far more than this. In these tough economic times it is a cost many practices can ill afford but one which, due to the RCVS regulations on Continuing Professional Development for both Vets and Vet Nurses, they are often forced to meet.
"vCPD is very different. Courses cost only £150 +VAT , all of which are given by highly qualified and experienced professionals (often the very same ones used by the more expensive companies) at an extremely convenient location, with excellent transport links and plenty of free parking, in the West Midlands. We are initially concentrating on vet nurses but will be expanding to vets later in the year."
You can find out more, view the courses and download a booking form by visiting http://www.vcpd.co.uk/. You can also follow vCPD on facebook and twitter.
The RCVS has published a summary of the goings on at its 6 November meeting.
Amongst other things, Council agreed to continue to display postnominals in the Register, undertake a consultation on whether members should be able to use the courtesy title 'doctor' and make amendments to the College's current registration regulations.
In addition,
More information about these decisions can be found in the latest edition of RCVS News, copies of which have been sent to all veterinary surgeons and listed/registered veterinary nurses.
The full papers for the Council meeting can be found on the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/rcvs-council/council-meetings
The RCVS is seeking the views of veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and members of the public about proposals for a new Royal Charter which would clarify and underpin the role of the College and give it formal recognition as regulator of the veterinary nursing profession.
The new Charter, approved at a meeting of RCVS Council in November, would replace the 1967 Supplemental Charter, with the most far reaching change being a proposal to make veterinary nursing a formally regulated profession on a similar footing to veterinary surgeons. Veterinary nurses would become associates of the College and have the post-nominal letters RVN. The List and the Register of Veterinary Nurses would also be effectively combined, meaning that the 1,100 listed veterinary nurses would join the 10,500 already on the Register.
Under the proposals registered veterinary nurses would continue to need to fulfil certain responsibilities, including abiding by the Code of Professional Conduct and completing an average of 15 hours a year of continuing professional development, and would be subject to RCVS disciplinary procedures.
What's new is that individuals struck off from the Register for serious professional misconduct would no longer be able to give medical treatment or carry out minor surgery under veterinary direction.
As well as changes to the regulation of veterinary nursing, the proposed Charter would also more clearly state the role and remit of the RCVS, for example, in advancing standards through the promotion of continuing professional development and the Practice Standards Scheme.
Professor Stephen May, a member of RCVS Council who led the Legislation Working Party that developed the new Charter proposals, said: "The proposed new Charter represents an historic opportunity to affirm the role of the RCVS, and to provide a modern framework for the future regulation of the professions. I call on veterinary surgeons and nurses, together with other interested stakeholders, to read the consultation documents and support our proposals."
Speaking about the need for change, RCVS President Neil Smith added: "The consultation paper explains why it is time to replace the 1967 Charter with a new version which sets out the role of the College. The present Charter doesn't explain what objects the RCVS should set out to achieve, and it is silent about veterinary nurses. The remit of the College should include being the regulator for the veterinary nursing profession, and we want a new Charter to recognise registered veterinary nurses.
"We hope that the new Charter will provide a solid basis for the work of the College for years to come. We would urge members of the professions and the public to let us know what they think and help us to make sure that we have got it right."
The consultation paper, which contains further details about the proposed Charter, is available to download at www.rcvs.org.uk/consultations. Those who wish to have their say must respond to b.myring@rcvs.org.uk with their comments by Friday 7 February 2014.
The RCVS will also be organising a meeting and a webinar during the consultation period for those who wish to ask questions about the proposals. Those interested in attending a meeting should email b.myring@rcvs.org.uk. The webinar will be held early in 2014 - further details will be on www.rcvs.org.uk in due course.
Next week, Princess Anne will unveil a new life-sized bronze of the Household Cavalry horse Sefton at the Royal Veterinary College in North Mymms, Hertfordshire.
The statue of Sefton is sited outside the College's Teaching and Research Centre, standing on the footprint of the former Sefton Equine Hospital, a facility which has now been relocated to a new Equine Referral Hospital on campus.
Sefton suffered terrible injuries in the Hyde Park bombing of July 1982 in which four men and seven horses died. In the aftermath of the bombing, as the most severely injured horse, his story of recovery captured the nation's hearts and the horse came to symbolise the resilience that is characteristic of the armed forces.
Many who knew and rode Sefton have provided the detailed briefings necessary for the sculptor, Camilla Le May, to capture the character and spirit of a great horse. Camilla said: "It was fascinating to talk to those who rode and knew Sefton well and this, along with studying old photos, enabled me to find out some of his individual traits such as the way he often tilted his head, looking back over his shoulder, which I chose to represent in this work. He was by all accounts a strong character and quite a handful, especially in his youth. Perhaps it was partly this strength of character that helped him pull through his appalling injuries."
Professor Josh Slater, head of the equine clinical group at the RVC, said: "The College has a proud tradition of furthering care and developing innovative treatments through dedicated equine veterinary surgeons and nurses. We were proud to have received a grant from The Horse Trust in 1986 to build our former equine hospital in Sefton's memory. Whilst we may have moved our practice to bigger and better facilities this new statue will serve as a reminder of the bravery and resilience of Sefton that inspired so many."
The new statue was commissioned to recognise and honour the life-time achievements of one of the College's longest servicing senior academics Professor Peter Lees, who retired in 2010. It was funded by RVC Honorary Fellow and Chairman of Norbrook Lord Ballyedmond OBE.
Professor Stuart Reid, Principal at the RVC, said: "I would like to thank the generosity of our friend Lord Ballyedmond for his kind donation in recognition of our esteemed colleague Professor Lees that has enabled us create this statue in memory of a great horse."
All SPVS members who complete the survey online will be sent their own personalised survey results allowing them to benchmark their practice against the industry averages.
SPVS is also offering 3 months free membership to anyone who takes part who is not already a member.
VPMA and BVNA members can also complete the survey and the results will be published on their websites.
Peter Brown, SPVS President Elect who leads on development of the surveys said: "Whether you are recruiting, doing an internal pay review, looking for a new job yourself or trying to negotiate a pay rise, it helps to understand what the typical salaries are and the trends. Our new software allows you to easily compare your salaries to others in personalised results making it a valuable business tool."
SPVS is urging as many people as possible to take part in the survey as the more participants, the more reliable the results.
For more information, visit www.spvs.org.uk or call 01926 840318.
Petplan's Veterinary Awards are designed to celebrate the nation’s most outstanding vets, vet nurses, practices, practice managers and support staff who are nominated by their colleagues and clients for continually going that extra mile, keeping pets healthy and giving owners peace of mind.
The independent panel of judges said that Nicky's nomination stood out for her contribution towards growing her practice from a small one with one consulting room on the side of the vet’s house, to a standalone practice with three consulting rooms, dog and cat wards and dedicated preparation, theatre and imaging area.
Nicky said: "When I found out I was nominated I was completely overwhelmed, so to know I’ve won feels unreal! It means the world – thank you to those who voted and to Petplan for this award."
In fact, it turned out to be a pretty good year for 387 Veterinary Centre, awards-wise. Another member of staff, Joanne Civil, won 'Veterinary Practice Support Staff of the Year', and the practice also took the overall 'Veterinary Practice of the Year' award.
'Vet of the Year' went to Johanna Headley from Sunninghill Veterinary Centre in Ascot, and 'Veterinary Practice Manager of the Year' went to Anne Corson of Pennard Vets in Tonbridge.
Guidance for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses on client confidentiality and microchipping has been amended by the RCVS.
The amendments deal with situations when a client presents an animal registered in another person's name, and a new flow diagram has been added to provide additional practical advice for vets and VNs dealing with these types of situations.
Animals can be registered in a different name to that of the client for various reasons. For example, an animal may have been re-homed or sold, but the details on its microchip have not been updated; it could have been stolen; or, the owners may be involved in a civil dispute.
Veterinary surgeons in practice may be unsure what to do in these situations. The new guidance informs veterinary surgeons about their options and provides advice on client confidentiality and data protection issues.
The College advises that veterinary nurses employed by a veterinary surgeon or practice should discuss the issues with a senior veterinary surgeon in the practice before breaching client confidentiality.
The amendments apply to Chapter 14 of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct. The supporting guidance and flow diagram are available at: www.rcvs.org.uk/confidentiality.
Virbac, maker of Pronefra for the management of CKD in cats and dogs, has launched a free app to help interpret patients' urine test results in line with the latest International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) Guidelines.
The app, which is also called Pronefra, is available for download on both the Play store and Apple store.
Simon Boulton MRCVS, Marketing Manager for Companion Animals, said: "Reference ranges supplied by machines and labs are not always appropriate for the renal patient so we wanted to help practices to interpret kidney-specific results quickly and easily in line with the latest recommendations. The Pronefra app was the result. We have received very positive feedback on the app so far and hope it will help practices improve the quality and length of life of their renal patients."
Virbac is also providing further Pronefra practice support materials, include a pet health recording book for clients to aid in compliance and other educational tools for vets, nurses and clients.
The new, non-statutory Register for veterinary nurses opened yesterday. 3329 VNs were automatically included (having been listed with the RCVS since 2003). The remainder joined the list voluntarily.
RVNs are obliged to undertake 45 hours of CPD over 3 years, and to follow the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses.
To help promote the new title, the RCVS has sent a poster to all newly registered RVNs to display in their practices. More promotional materials are in the pipeline.
Virbac has launched Pronefra, a palatable phosphate-binder to aid with the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats and dogs.
The company says that managing blood phosphate levels is regarded as one of the most important aspects of managing CKD, with various studies showing the benefits of restricting phosphate in the diet1,2. The company also points to a study which shows that Pronefra, which contains two intestinal phosphate binders: calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, can significantly decrease serum phosphate levels3.
In addition, Pronefra also contains:
Virbac is at pains to stress that palatability has been a focus of Pronefra's development as it is an essential attribute for a product aimed at often inappetant animals.
Pronefra is presented in a liquid formulation for ease of use and should be mixed with food or given orally (it can be syringed) at meal times.
Virbac is providing a practice pack of support materials to practices, including a pet health recording book for clients to aid in compliance and other educational tools for vets, nurses and clients.
Simon Boulton MRCVS, Marketing Manager for Companion Animals, said: "CKD causes a vicious circle of deterioration but good management can increase both the quality of life and life expectancy of affected animals.
"We are delighted to launch Pronefra in the UK, following a 'sell-out' launch in mainland Europe, as a new option to aid in the management of CKD."
References
The British Veterinary Association has welcomed the tightening up of sales of veterinary medicines on the internet but has expressed disappointment that the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers will continue.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate has today published its response to the public consultation on the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, which are updated every year.
The new Regulations, which come into force in April 2011, introduce new controls on internet pharmacies meaning that only approved websites will be legally allowed to dispense and supply veterinary medicines. The controls will come into force in April 2012 and the BVA supports the use of a logo on approved websites to help consumers buy medicines from reputable sources.
The BVA has previously expressed concern that pet owners could inadvertently buy counterfeit veterinary medicines online and urges veterinary clients to seek advice from their vet and only buy from UK-based companies.
Harvey Locke, President of the BVA, said: "Without proper regulation online pharmacies could be sourcing drugs from overseas and selling counterfeit medicines that look genuine to unsuspecting pet owners. These medicines are placebos at best and dangerous at worst.
"We therefore welcome the VMD's decision to clampdown on irresponsible online retailers and provide a clear logo for approved websites that will give pet owners confidence.
"We have also asked the VMD to put a stop to the increasing problem of prescription fraud and we hope the tighter regulation announced today will be a step towards achieving that aim.
"However, we would urge all pet owners to continue talking to their vet about sourcing medicines from the internet to make sure the right drugs are bought and administered correctly."
In light of increasing concerns about the growth of antimicrobial resistance the VMD's consultation canvassed views on restricting the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers. The BVA says it supported a ban on advertising as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials, and is disappointed that the VMD has decided not to go ahead with it. Mr Locke said: "New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies to vets and farmers so it is vital that the message of responsible use is not lost.
"Antimicrobial resistance is a serious issue for both animal and human health and we are disappointed that the VMD is not restricting the advertising of these products to farmers. The pharmaceutical companies must now undertake to advertise responsibly.
"Ultimately, it is the veterinary surgeon who will make the decision on which veterinary products to use and vets and farmers should work together to ensure antimicrobials are used prudently and responsibly."
Headed by Esteban Gonzalez-Gasch, a European Specialist in Small Animal Surgery, the new department enables the practice to undertake a wide range of complex small animal procedures.
Injuries and conditions treated include fracture fixation, including complex and simple fractures; cruciate disease, including tibial osteotomies and extracapsular repair; arthroscopy; arthrodesis of chronically painful joints; elbow dysplasia; lameness investigation in adults and juveniles; treatment of growth deformities including distraction osteogenesis; osteoarthritis and musculo-skeletal neoplasia.
Esteban, who joined Southfields earlier this year from the leading Spanish veterinary hospital Ars Veterinaria, in Barcelona, said: "These new facilities really do put Southfields at the cutting edge of 21st century veterinary science and practice in the UK."
Southfields is also carrying out a full refurbishment of its existing facilities and recruiting a number of additional specialist veterinary surgeons, nurses and support staff.
Southfields’ operations manager Daniel Hogan said: "This is a very exciting period for us. We are growing in every possible area and working more closely with referring practices to continue to develop our bespoke and exceptional service for patients and clients.
"Our aim is aspiring and simple: to create the very best referral centre possible by bringing together the expertise of the very best of veterinary professionals supported by the very latest in technological innovation."
As well as orthopaedics, the practice accepts referrals in soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, oncology, neurology, feline medicine and cardiology. For more information, go to www.southfields.co.uk.
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has struck off the Register a veterinary surgeon who delayed attending a dog that had been run over at a farm, causing her to suffer unnecessarily.
Following a two-day hearing, the Disciplinary Committee found Munhuwepasi Chikosi guilty of unreasonably delaying attending Mitzi, a fourteen-and-a-half-year-old Labrador cross, and of unnecessarily causing her to remain in pain and suffering for at least an hour.
On 9 September 2011, Mr Chikosi had been working as a locum veterinary surgeon at the Vets Now out-of-hours emergency service in Barton-le-Clay, Bedford, when Mitzi's owner telephoned him to say that his dog was severely injured and to request a home visit for the purpose of euthanasia.
At Mr Chikosi's request, the owner attempted to bring Mitzi into the practice using a blanket. However, it was not possible to get Mitzi into a Land Rover, and she uncharacteristically bit the owner's son, so her owner called the practice again.
Mr Chikosi repeated the request to bring the dog in, saying that he was unable to leave the practice because he was looking after other animals, but that he could possibly organise another veterinary surgeon to visit "probably within the next hour or two".
The Committee considered Mr Chikosi's actions in context of the RCVS Guide to Professional Conduct 2011, which listed a number of factors for veterinary surgeons to consider when deciding whether to attend an animal away from the practice premises.
These included the likely treatment needed, the possibility of the animal being safely conveyed to the veterinary surgery, the health status of the animal and ability of the owner to manage the animal's pain until veterinary attention could be sought during normal hours, and travelling time for the veterinary surgeon.
However, the Committee found Mr Chikosi had made no enquiries to determine whether Mitzi was in a fit condition to be moved, and offered no advice as to how her condition could be alleviated whilst waiting for the home visit. Further, his advice that Mitzi should be moved on a blanket was wrong, as she may have had an injured back.
The Committee concluded that, from the outset, Mr Chikosi took the stance that he was unable to leave the practice because he was the only veterinary surgeon present.
However, the Committee noted, from the information available, that there were only three in-patients, no critical cases and a qualified veterinary nurse was present. The Committee found there was no good reason why he should not have attended the farm, which was only 10 to 15 minutes' drive away.
The Committee said that, by the time Mitzi's owner called a second time, it was clear that the out-of-hours service was experiencing difficulty finding a second veterinary surgeon but, instead of going to the farm himself, Mr Chikosi waited another hour until the second veterinary surgeon arrived at the out-of-hours service.
Professor Peter Lees, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee said: "The Committee is satisfied that the delay caused Mitzi unnecessary suffering, which was evidenced by her uncharacteristically biting [her owner's] son. [Her owner] had recognised the severity of the injuries and the need for euthanasia as soon as was practicable. [Mr Chikosi's] failure to attend a seriously injured dog promptly in the circumstances described falls far short of the conduct to be expected of a reasonably competent veterinary surgeon."
He directed that Mr Chikosi's name be struck off the Register.
Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that Vetmedin Chewable Tablets have been licensed for treating pre-clinical dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in Doberman Pinschers1.
Boehringer says DCM is the most common form of cardiomyopathy in dogs and the second most common form of acquired heart disease in dogs. Typically, up to half (25 - 50%) of Doberman Pinschers develop DCM in their lifetime and before congestive heart failure (CHF) develops, over a quarter (25 - 30%) of these dogs will suffer sudden death. Despite optimal treatment, survival time once in CHF is short at just 2 - 4 months, with a fatality rate of at least 90% after a year.
The new indication was granted following a study which showed that early intervention with Vetmedin at pre-clinical stages in Dobermans can significantly delay the onset of CHF, increasing life expectancy and quality of life for patients2.
Robert Lucy, Vetmedin brand manager, Boehringer Ingelheim UK, said: "The PROTECT study, and the resulting new indication for Vetmedin is groundbreaking. For the first time ever, we are now not only able to manage congestive heart failure, but to significantly delay it. By acting sooner, we'll be able to alter the course of disease progression, ultimately increasing survival and allowing more pet owners to spend more time with their beloved dogs. Key to this will be giving vets the support and confidence in recognising the subtle signs of pre-clinical DCM. We plan to support veterinary professionals with new educational materials, including a screening algorithm, to help the diagnostic process."
Traditionally, there have been no licensed therapies available to vets to slow the progression of heart disease during the pre-clinical stage. However, peer-reviewed independent data from PROTECT, the first study in veterinary cardiology of its kind, proves that early intervention with Vetmedin at pre-clinical stages in Dobermans Pinschers can significantly delay the onset of CHF, increasing life expectancy and quality of life for patients.
Zoetis has announced that Horse & Country TV (Sky Channel 253) will be airing the Vet Essentials episode on worm control in horses from today until 26th March.
The programme, made in association with Zoetis, follows presenter Jenny Rudall on her mission to explore every aspect of worming horses, including how to tackle encysted small redworm. Jenny talks to vet Ben Gaskell from Minster Vets for the low down on worm control, before heading off to the Moredun Research Institute in Scotland to meet parasitology experts Jacqui Matthews and Thomas Tzelos to find out more about the role of faecal worm egg counts, the damage that can be caused by worm burdens and the growing problem of resistance.
Zoetis vet Wendy Talbot said: "The programme should be a big help to vets when it comes to explaining worming to horse owners. They can tell their clients about it and encourage them to watch. It will help educate them about all aspects of worming and specifically about the threat of encysted small redworm at this time of year. This, in turn, should help protect horses against this potentially fatal parasite."
The company is encouraging the profession to help spread the word about the new to clients by email, via Facebook and by word of mouth.
The veterinary group made the donation on behalf of its team after all 185 staff voted unanimously to donate the proceeds of the company's monthly employee reward scheme to help support support the victims of the bombing.
Veterinary nurse Danielle Richardson, from the Walkden practice in Manchester, said: "We all felt so sad for the victims and their families and our instant reaction was to find a way to help. Our practice decided we wanted to donate our monthly reward money that we usually use for things like meals out or a team activity to the hospital, and we let the central team support office know. We also put together lots of special packages with toys in for the children."
Managing director Tim Harrison said: "As soon as we heard what our team were doing at our Walkden practice we let everyone else know, and every single one of our practices across the country requested that their reward monies were also donated to The Manchester Children’s Hospital.
"I am so proud of the team and for the level of support they have given to those affected by this most appalling event. The response by the White Cross team has been tremendous. We were all touched by the ordeal in some way and many of us knew people who were at the concert."
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has launched the 2013 - 2014 edition of its UK Veterinary Surgeon's Product Compendium.
The compendium contains data sheets for the complete range of over 120 Norbrook products which are available in the UK and Northern Ireland, including 17 new products which have been launched since the last compendium was issued.
The compendium is available from your Norbrook representative or can be downloaded from www.norbrook.com. Norbrook also offers an iPhone App through which users can access essential product information including pharmaceutical presentation, uses, dosage and administration, withdrawal periods, contraindications & warnings and pharmaceutical precautions.
A new survey by Petplan has revealed that a staggering 7 in 10 (73%) of veterinary nurses feel that their clients do not have a sufficient understanding of their role in practice. Petplan conducted the survey at BVNA Congress to find out how veterinary nurses feel about a whole range of issues affecting the profession. Louisa Baker, the 2008 Petplan Vet Nurse of the Year, said: "Clients are often not aware of the skills required to be a vet nurse. Most clients believe we just handle the animals whereas we are often involved with surgical activities such as stitching and preparing drips." 40% of you agreed that direct contact with animals, such as caring for them through recovery, is the best part of the job. Despite clients not fully comprehending the role you play in the care of animals, over half (54%) of you told Petplan that your work was extremely rewarding. Louisa believes that better awareness needs to be made of this fantastic profession, "Clients need increased education about the role of the vet nurse within animal care. Other members of the veterinary profession need to promote the responsibilities of nurses to clients which would establish more kudos for the profession." Nearly 28% of you had changed your career to become a vet nurse. Previous careers included being an air hostess, art gallery manager and event groom. Nearly all of you (99%) confirmed that you value training and CPD to further your career. To support this desire to learn, Petplan has launched its Petplan Insurance Advisor training scheme. Already, over 500 nurses have completed a module, counting towards valuable CPD points. The scheme enables the development of individual skills such as the ability to sell products and gain confidence with clients. Available online, vet nurses can participate in the scheme at work or at home. Visit http://www.petplanpia.co.uk/ for more information.
Merial has launched Merilym 3, the first Lyme disease vaccine available in the UK.
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in Europe and there has been an increase of over 300% in the number of reported human cases in the UK since 20011. Caused by infection with bacteria from the Borrelia burgdorferi group, the disease is transmitted by Ixodes spp. ticks.
Merial says the vaccine contains inactivated antigens from Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto, Borrelia afzelli and Borrelia garinii, so provides broad spectrum immunity against infection. Vaccination with Merilym 3 induces high levels of antibodies against a key bacterial antigen, which are ingested by the tick during blood feeding and subsequently bind to the bacteria in the tick gut, reducing the risk of transmission from the tick to the host.
For use in dogs, the vaccine can be administered to puppies from 12 weeks old, with a primary vaccination course of two injections, three weeks apart, followed by annual boosters. It is available in packs of 10 doses.
For more information, speak to your local Merial Territory Manager.
Reference
Following the launch of its equine range to the UK, Grand Meadows Animal Health has announced the launch of a range of canine food supplements, including: Mobility, Grand Tranquility, Grand Vitality, Grand Coat and Grand Complete. New stockists will also be given a 25% discount to kick off the relationship, and will be provided with a striking counter display. Grand Meadows products are distributed exclusively by Horse Specialities in the UK - contact Simon Haythornthwaite on 07899 953683 / 01772 682045, or info@horsespecialities.co.uk for further information.
The event is being held to celebrate Veterinary Nursing Awareness Month, the annual BNVA campaign designed to spread the word about the importance of the role of veterinary nurses in practice.
At the event, guests will be able to network with some of Davies' world-renowned specialists over lunch, attend lectures and take a guided tour of their state-of-the-art veterinary hospital. There will also be the opportunity for informal interviews for those who may be looking to progress their career in referral nursing.
Kimberley Buckley GradDipVN RVN, who has worked for Davies as part of its 60-strong team of nurses for six years, said: "The nurses here are Davies are all really strong because we all work to the same high standards and we all want the best care for the patients. We’re a friendly team who all get on together and we also get on with all the other members of the practice so it's a nice working atmosphere."
Ian Battersby, Internal Medicine Clinician, said: "Our nursing team never fail to amaze me. They work to incredibly high standards, they are always keen to learn and understand as much as possible about the condition they are managing so that they can make sure that everything is done to as high a standard as possible. That’s really useful for me as a clinician because I can get their insight and that influences how I manage the case. It’s an impressive team working all together and as a vet I consider myself very lucky to work alongside them."
To reserve a place at the Davies Nurse Open Day, which runs from 9.30am – 2pm, email joinourteam@vetspecialists.co.uk.
Davies has also made a video in praise of its VN team which can be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DVSvets/videos/
The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed an application to be restored to the Register of Veterinary Surgeons from a former Kent-based veterinary surgeon, Warwick Seymour-Hamilton.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton was originally removed from the Register in June 1994 for failing to maintain his equipment and facilities such that it evidenced a total disregard of basic hygiene and care for animals, thereby bringing the profession into disrepute.
The restoration hearing on Friday 18 March was Mr Seymour-Hamilton’s fourth application for restoration, with previous applications being submitted but refused in July 1995, June 2010 and January 2015. However, as the Committee made its decision on the merits of the case before it, those previous applications were not admitted as relevant to its decision.
Mr Seymour-Hamilton told the Committee that he currently works as a herbalist and naturopath for humans and wished to be restored to the Register so he could include animals in his research. He had completed a course in herbal and naturopathic medicine at the College of Naturopathic Medicine in Dublin in 2010, and told the Committee that he believed that being restored to the Register would lend credence to his endeavours to secure funding and other support. He stated that he did not intend to work again in a veterinary practice.
However, the Committee rejected his application on a number of grounds, including the impact on animal welfare should Mr Seymour-Hamilton be restored to the Register; the length of time he had been off the Register and the fact that he was therefore not up-to-date with contemporary veterinary practice and professional conduct; and that his efforts to keep up-to-date in terms of knowledge, skills and developments in practice were insufficient.
Judith Webb, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee is concerned about the length of time that has passed since he last practised and the paucity of the evidence he has provided to establish that, if permitted to return to practice, he would be able to attain the professional standards required of a modern veterinary practitioner, either as regards surgical capabilities/competence or as regards his knowledge of currently available veterinary medicines."
She added: "This Committee’s obligations and duties are to see that the interests of animal welfare are properly protected by ensuring that only those who are properly trained, knowledgeable and experienced are permitted to treat animals and that public confidence in the standards of the profession are maintained. The risks attendant on a restoration of this applicant to the Register are, in the judgement of this Committee, plain and obvious. Accordingly, this application is refused."
Vétoquinol (maker of Propalin) has announced the launch of a new canine urinary incontinence support website for pet owners.
canineui.co.uk contains information about the causes, diagnostic methods and treatment options for canine urinary incontinence. It also includes tips for living with a dog with the condition.
To help spread the word to owners and raise the awareness that this new resource is available, Vétoquinol is offering posters for your practice, together with business cards displaying the website address.
To obtain your copy call the Vétoquinol head office on 01280 825497 and quote 'Canine UI Poster'.