The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Food Standards Agency (FSA) are reminding veterinary surgeons of their legal responsibilities under the Horse Passport Regulations 2009.
The move follows a small number of horses testing positively for the presence of phenylbutazone, which, if consumed, can be harmful to human health.
Defra and the FSA have asked for the assistance of the profession in ensuring that treatment with phenylbutazone is properly recorded in Horse Passports and have said that they are working together to understand the cause of the positive tests, and what longer term measures can be put in place to stop this happening.
In the interim, all horses slaughtered for human consumption will be sampled for the presence of phenylbutazone, with immediate effect.
The letter from Defra and the FSA can be downloaded from the RCVS website.
The full advice can be read in a Veterinary Medicines Directorate/Defra leaflet, which can be found online at http://www.vmd.defra.gov.uk/pdf/leaflet_horses.pdf.
Mark Bowen, Chair of the British Equine Veterinary Association's Health and Medicines Committee, said: "The number of horses entering the human food chain from the UK has doubled since 2009 and is no longer an insignificant minority of horses. All vets should be checking horse passports and only dispensing sensible quantities of this drug, and its prodrug suxibuzone."
Meanwhile, a form is available from the British Equine Veterinary Association website for veterinary surgeons to use if the horse passport is not available, but emergency treatment is required: http://www.beva.org.uk/_uploads/documents/emergency-treatment-form-no-passport-2011.pdf
74-year-old Ms Nicholls, who retired over two years ago, faced three charges against her regarding the surgical removal of a microchip from a cat in December 2021, the failure to disclose the procedure to her employer and associated accusations of dishonesty.
At the outset of the hearing Ms Nicholls made an application to adjourn the hearing while undertaking to voluntarily remove herself from the Register, to never seek to reapply to join the Register and to supply a witness statement in respect of a separate RCVS investigation into the conduct of a veterinary surgeon.
Her application was made on the basis of her age, the fact that she had a 40-year unblemished career in veterinary nursing, that she has retired, that she had referred herself to the College and engaged with the investigation process, that she had undertaken the procedure under the direction of a veterinary surgeon, that there was no financial gain and that the alleged misconduct related to a single animal.
The RCVS did not oppose the application.
Dr Kathryn Peaty MRCVS, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee noted that the respondent has a long and unblemished career, also that she had self-referred and cooperated with the College and was prepared to act as a witness in other proceedings.
"However, it regarded those matters as going to the proper conduct of a professional and not of particular weight in the application.
“Although the Committee noted that the evidence tended to show that the respondent had acted at the direction of a veterinary surgeon, it considered that this did not outweigh the respondent’s own professional obligations in the relevant events.
"Further, this factor did not touch on the dishonesty allegation.
“The Committee did, in the respondent’s favour, place weight on the fact that this had been a singular event of clinical failing during the course of a long career.
"Further, the associated dishonesty the Committee assessed at being at the lower end of the scale, on the face of the College’s evidence.
"It considered that the expectation that veterinary nurses act with honesty in working with others was important, and so the lack of financial benefit did not have a great deal of impact, given the circumstances.\
“However, the Committee noted that the respondent had eventually corrected the understanding of her employer and admitted what she had done.
"Importantly, it was clear that the respondent had admitted her failings to the College in her subsequent dealings with the College.”
She added: “Taking all matters into consideration and in particular the singular nature of the clinical event and dishonesty at the low end of the scale, the Committee placed weight on the fact that removal of the respondent’s registration together with an undertaking to never re-apply exceeded the potential sanction which could be imposed, following any hearing.
"The Committee also brought into the balance the respondent’s own interests, in not continuing to be subject to the proceedings.
"The Committee also noted that the College did not oppose the application.
“The Committee considered that an informed member of the public, if aware of the full facts of the case and the application, would not be alarmed or concerned if the application is granted and public confidence in the profession would not be undermined.
"The Committee decided to accede to the application and accept the respondent’s undertakings.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched Trifexis, an oral tablet to provide dogs with three-in-one protection against fleas, intestinal nematodes and heartworm.
Trifexis contains two active ingredients: spinosad, which is active against fleas, and milbemycin oxime, which is active against intestinal nematodes and heartworm.
Pointing to a survey which found that two out of three owners prefer administering medication in tablet form, Elanco says it is offering the prescription-only product in a beef-flavoured tablet format that delivers vet practices with an exclusive solution many pet owners would choose.2
Matthew Rowe, senior brand manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health said: "By combining spinosad with milbemycin oxime, Trifexis provides the fast speed of flea kill already experienced with Comfortis (killing 100% of fleas within four hours), but now with the added protection against the hidden danger of intestinal nematodes and heartworm disease; of specific concern for owners whose dogs travel to or from heartworm endemic areas."
Prof. Patrick Bourdeau, Dip ECVD-Dip EVPC, of the Veterinary School of Nantes (Oniris), France, added: "Until now, the treatment of intestinal nematodes has often been overlooked. Recent independent research shows that in Europe a majority of dogs (70%) are treated against fleas; whereas the year-round (and potentially zoonotic) threat of intestinal nematodes is commonly overlooked, with only 49% of dogs being treated.2 The benefit of Trifexis is that it aids treatment compliance against these important yet overlooked worms by providing a tablet format, combined with flea control."
In addition, Elanco highlights the fact that the tablet format satisfies a need for those owners who prefer the cleanliness and assured efficacy of tablet administration, have young children or pets in the home, dogs that swim or are bathed frequently or dogs with skin sensitivity or dermatological issues.
For further information about Elanco's new Trifexis three-in-one oral tablet treatment, contact your local Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or telephone 01256 353131.
References
Pfizer has announced the results of research carried out as part of its Vet Support+ initiative, which shows that the three most important factors in engaging a veterinary team are: leadership, employee performance management and team effectiveness. Of the three, performance management is the most important.
The employee engagement survey was carried out to provide an insight to the veterinary market specifically. According to Pfizer more than 4,000 responses were received, providing insights from 749 practice owners, partners and practice managers and almost 3,500 individual veterinary practice employees. Analysis and modelling from an independent expert and the Vet Support+ team led to the identification of three drivers for an actively engaged team within a veterinary practice, and the creation of a national benchmark for employee engagement. Pfizer says Vet Support+ is committing to running the research on a regular basis so that employee engagement amongst all veterinary staff can be monitored on an ongoing basis.
Pfizer says that although recognised as the most important factor in generating good employee engagement, performance management was identified as an area of weakness in many practices. There were contradictory responses from management and staff regarding both formal appraisals and informal feedback taking place. In both cases, management tended to believe this was happening while staff disagreed. Of further frustration for staff was the management of poor performers, with 52% of staff stating that poor performers were not managed effectively.
Leadership is critical for any successful business, however the survey showed that while personal relationships between management and staff are good (79% of vets and 76% of staff agreed that the relationship between management and teams are generally good), there is a lack of trust between leadership and staff (80% of vets said they believe there is trust in the team, while only 62% of staff agreed).
Practice owners were more upbeat about team effectiveness: 76% said they believe the team was willing to put in more effort, while only 63% of staff agreed. There was another inconsistency regarding communication within the team, with only 49% of staff thinking that communication in practice is good versus 65% of practice owners.
Ned Flaxman, Director Business Innovation at Pfizer Animal Health said: "At face value this data makes for very interesting reading and the identification of the key drivers of engagement in practice is the practical benefit for practices to prioritise their focus of activity on staff management."
He added: "This research will enable us to work with practices to do their own employee engagement survey to be benchmarked against the national study. This will provide an evidence-based approach to identify the biggest gaps for improvement, and our Vet Support+ team can work with practices to deliver solutions for those challenges whether leadership, team effectiveness or performance management."
Practice owners and managers wishing to understand the data in more detail and measure levels of engagement within their own team against the evidence-based benchmarks the study provides should contact the Vet Support+ team at http://www.vetsupportplus.co.uk/
Key findings from the Employee Engagement Survey:
The RCVS has launched a newsletter for those involved with veterinary nurse education and training.
The title - VN Education - replaces VN Standard, the newsletter from RCVS Awards, the College's awarding body. It focuses on the regulatory aspects of all veterinary nurse education, including both vocational and undergraduate training.
Libby Earle, RCVS Head of Veterinary Nursing said: "The new title marks a change in focus, as we wind down the RCVS awarding body and withdraw from awarding vocational qualifications.
"Our core focus is now the quality assurance of all those qualifications leading to registration with the RCVS, and VN Education aims to keep people up to date on regulatory and quality assurance issues."
VN Education will be published three times a year to those involved in veterinary nurse education, and can also be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/publications. The first issue will be distributed towards the end of January.
Hill's has added to its range of Science Plan Snacks with a large biscuit size, big bag version for large breed dogs. The 400 gram packs are available as Large Breed Light and Large Breed Healthy Mobility Snacks at a launch price of £2.49 (normal recommended retail price £4.99).
The company says that this follows fantastic feedback from veterinary practices about Science Plan Snacks, and requests for more variants tailored to fit the needs of their client's pets.
The Science Plan snack range offers products across five areas of functionality which, according to Hill's, have proven to be highly motivating for clients: light, immunity support, healthy mobility, oral care and skin & coat. There are adult variants across the range and puppy variants in immunity support and skin & coat.
For further information, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or Hill's customer service on 0800 282438.
Following a new study published in the journal Emerging Infectious Diseases, the World Small Animal Veterinary Association's One Health Committee has called for a co-ordinated global infectious disease monitoring system to be established for veterinarians who work in small companion animal practice worldwide.
The study, led by Michael Day, Professor of Veterinary Pathology in the School of Veterinary Sciences at the University of Bristol and Chair of the WSAVA's One Health Committee, lists the key zoonotic diseases of cats and dogs.
It recommends that the knowledge gained through surveillance would permit more effective global control of small companion animal zoonoses and reduce the risks associated with the human-animal relationship.
Professor Day said: "It is well recognised that most of the major new diseases of mankind will have an animal origin and that dogs and cats are a potential source of such emerging diseases.
"The number of small companion animals is particularly significant. For example there are an estimated eight to ten million dogs living in up to 31 per cent of UK homes and in the USA, 72 million dogs in 37 per cent of homes. The benefits of pet ownership on human health, well-being and development are unquestionable but, as they have moved from the barn, to the house, to the bedroom, the potential for disease spread to humans increases. Control of diseases among dogs and cats is a good way to prevent spread to humans.
"In human, livestock and wildlife heath there are already programmes of active surveillance for infectious disease underway to monitor the global distribution and movement of key infectious agents. For example, the WHO monitors human influenza virus infection through a network of 111 centres in 83 countries. In contrast, there is no such monitoring for the infections that may be transmitted between small companion animals and man. Meanwhile, canine rabies virus infection, one of the diseases listed in the paper, is estimated to kill a minimum of 55,000 people in Africa and Asia each year.
"The development of such a scheme would require the significant political will, scientific application and financial support that could be achieved through a public-private partnership. The aim of our position paper in Emerging Infectious Diseases is to initiate stakeholder discussions with that end goal in mind."
The clinic is led by Sebastien Behr MRCVS, an RCVS Specialist in Neurology. Patients will benefit from access to the referral centre's MRI scanner and its specialist imaging, anaesthesia and neurology teams.
Dr Behr said: "We are very excited to have launched this specialist clinic. Following detailed consultations with pet owners, the animals will be treated to the very highest level and bespoke care designed for each patient."
The practice is offering a fixed price package for routine diagnostic procedures.
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net or contact the neurology team on 0121 721 7070.
A Dogs Trust Glasgow resident who made the news last January for being so obese he could not even walk has lost almost half his body weight.
Patch, a six year old Beagle Cross, weighed the same as an average six year old child - 4.5 stones (28.45kg) - when he was brought to the Rehoming Centre last year.
Staff desperately hoped 2009 would see him find a new home and see him shed almost half his bodyweight to reach his goal of 2.4 stone (15kg). After finding a new home with the MacLean family in Motherwell, exactly one year after hitting the headlines Patch is within sniffing distance of his target by weighing in at 2.9 stone (18kg).
Vets had warned that a rapid weight loss would put strain on Patch's organs and could actually harm him, so it has been a slow, careful process. He follows a strict diet and his exercise levels have been built up gradually, with careful monitoring by veterinary staff.
Claire Kelman, Dogs Trust Glasgow Assistant Centre Manager, said: "When Patch first came to us he was so obese he couldn't even walk and needed a sling to be moved from one place to another. Now he's lost the weight he can run around and properly enjoy his walks like any other dog.
It just goes to show a good diet and careful exercise can make a real impact, so maybe he can be a shining example for everyone feeling a bit bloated after the Christmas break!"
Images courtesy Centre Press Agency
The survey was conducted after it was found that only 10% of job adverts on VetSurgeon.org and 16% on VetNurse.co.uk include an indication of the salary. By contrast, a quick analysis of the adverts on other leading job boards for professionals found that 66% of jobs advertised for doctors include salary details, 87% for human nurses, 64% for architects and 92% for computer programmers.
The survey received 1,147 responses: 524 from veterinary surgeons and 622 from veterinary nurses.
When asked how they would likely react to job advertisements seen online or in print:
75.7% of vet nurses said they would read adverts which display a salary first (before those that don't)
54.5% of vet nurses said they would respond to adverts which display the salary first (before those that don't).
28.8% of vet nurses said they would ignore ads that don't show a salary.
Only 18.4% said they would consider the job adverts equally, regardless of whether or not they displayed a salary.
Respondents were then asked what impression it gave them if a practice advertised a job without stating a salary. 66% of vet nurses said 'negative', 32.2% said 'neutral' and 1.1% said 'positive'.
The final question asked how annoying it is to read job adverts which only describe a salary using words like 'competitive' or 'generous'.
1.9% of veterinary nurses said: 'Not at all annoying"
30.7% said 'Mildly irritating'
67% said 'Very annoying. It's a waste of my time to ring and find my definition of 'competitive' is not the same as the advertiser's.'
By comparison, veterinary surgeons were a little less salary conscious, but very much the same patterns emerged (full results of the vet survey here).
The bottom line is that if you spend £99 to advertise a job on VetNurse and you don't advertise the salary, you're effectively throwing away £28 there and then. Might as well just set fire to a £20 and a £10 note. Even if you think that is a price worth paying (and let's not forget that it'll be a considerably more expensive mistake if you advertise elsewhere), you then have to think of the monetary value of having sent someone away with a negative impression of your practice, or worse still if you described the salary as 'competitive' or 'generous'.
It is worth highlighting that on VetNurse and VetSurgeon, employers are invited to advertise the 'Minimum Offer', described to jobseekers as the starting point for discussions, or a salary range. Both are designed to give jobseekers something to go on, whilst still allowing room for negotiation.
To help employers get the most out of their recruitment adverts on VetNurse.co.uk and VetSurgeon.org, we're sharing a special training video, which you can watch below. If nothing else, a quick reminder of what you need to include in the advert:
The Kennel Club has announced that crossbreed dogs are to have their own event at Crufts for the first time next year.
For the first time in its twelve year history, the grand final of Scruffts, the crossbreed dog competition run by the Kennel Club, will culminate at Crufts at the NEC in Birmingham. The winners of the four Scruffts categories - Child's Best Friend, Golden Oldie, Prettiest Crossbreed Bitch and Most Handsome Crossbreed Dog - will battle it out for the ultimate title of Scruffts Family Crossbreed of the Year.
Scruffts, sponsored by James Wellbeloved, has held heats across the UK over the course of the year and the winners of each category in every heat have been invited to Discover Dogs in London to compete in the class finals on Saturday 10th November. Winners of the four classes at Discover Dogs will now go on to Crufts 2013, where they will compete for the overall Scruffts title.
Caroline Kisko, Secretary of the Kennel Club, said: "Scruffts is a fantastic competition and we're very much looking forward to seeing the four class winners come to Crufts for the final next year. We have had some fantastic Scruffts champions in the past and I am sure we can expect to see a really special dog take the title once again."
There is still time to qualify for the Scruffts class finals, with heats taking place at CSJ Canine Max 2012 in Cirencester Park on Saturday 13th October and the East of England Autumn Show in Peterborough on Sunday 14th October.
The two candidates were VN Council Vice-Chair Liz Cox and newcomer Jane Davidson.
Both Liz and Jane will start their three-year terms on VN Council at Royal College Day on Friday 12 July 2019.
Racheal Marshall, Chair of VN Council, said: "First, I would welcome our new VN Council member Jane Davidson who is well-known to many in the profession as @JaneRVN, a prolific tweeter on all things #planetrvn and a powerful advocate for the veterinary nursing profession through her work with the media, including her regular Vet Times blog. I also wish to congratulate Liz who I am sure will continue to be a great asset to VN Council for a further three years.
"However, it is disappointing that there were not enough candidates standing for us to hold an election this year and give the profession the opportunity to exercise their democratic right and decide who they wish to elect. We will be taking stock of the situation over the next few months and considering how we can do more to promote the activities and decisions of VN Council and its members in the hope that, next year, we will see an increase in the numbers standing as candidates."
Just had an e-mail from TV production company Fever Media, forwarded to us by the BVA. It's looking for vets to appear on a new programme for Channel 5 called Animal House.
"Animal House is a four to eight week television event set in a clinic (a studio set built on location or incorporating an existing practice) where a team of animal experts deal with the variety of animal problems and ailments seen in the day to day running of a veterinary practice.
We will have a broad range of experts on hand to deal with a wide variety of animals and ailments. We are looking for all kinds of animal experts - from vets to animal behaviorists to psychologists."
Anyone interested needs to contact Chloe Sarfaty on: 0207 428 5744 or by email: chloe.sarfaty@fevermedia.co.uk
Research carried out by the Kennel Club to coincide with the start of Open for Dogs Week has found that 40% of British people think dogs are a happy alternative to having children.
One reason for this is perhaps because 25% of respondents said that a dog would fit more easily with their lifestyle than a child. Or maybe it's partly because 25% said that whilst their children always come first, they prefer to do things with their dog.
In addition, 80% said their dog is attentive and loving when out and about, compared to only 50% who said the same is true of their other half.
However, despite the central place that dogs hold in their owners' hearts, the Kennel Club says many people experience difficulty taking their dogs out and about, particularly to restaurants. In the survey, 40% said that they have problems finding a place where their dog is welcome while they eat, and almost 50% said that they'd like to see a wider variety of restaurants open their doors to dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "This research proves what a well loved member of the family a dog is. Given how much we love spending time with our dogs, it is surprising that there are still so many businesses that refuse to allow dogs in their premises, but there is a real appetite for this to change.
"The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs website lists more than 26,000 places throughout the UK and Europe that allow dogs inside, which makes it easier for dog owners to plan days out and holidays without having to leave their dogs behind.
"During Open for Dogs Week we are asking businesses, whether it is a restaurant, hotel, pub, shop or office, to trial a dog friendly policy. There are more than eight million dogs in the UK, so those that get involved will be appealing to a massive customer base, which can only be a good thing in tough economic times." The Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Week runs from 20-26 August 2012 and businesses and public places are encouraged to adopt a dog friendly policy for well behaved dogs.
To nominate your favourite dog friendly venue or town for the Kennel Club's Open for Dogs Awards, visit www.openfordogs.org.uk. The deadline for nominations is 31st August.
Genitrix is offering a free poster-sized treatment and dispensing guide for small animals. Designed to be pinned on the consulting room or dispensary wall, the poster sets out key data, including active ingredients, species information and application advice for the company's range of anti-parasite treatments for rabbits, ferrets, rodents, reptiles, birds and other exotic pets.
These include the ivermectin-based Xeno topical spot-on and spray range; Xenex Ultra, the permethrin-based topical spot-on preventive treatment for flystrike; Lapizole, a fenbendazole-based oral treatment for E.cuniculi and Mycozole, a miconazole-based spray for fungal infections, including ringworm.
Rob Watkins, Marketing Director at Genitrix, said: "The treatment guide provides easy to use and clear information on all our small animal products and their use for the practice team."
To request a free poster, please contact Genitrix on 01403 786345 or by email to mail@genitrix.co.uk
A study carried out at the University of Leicester's School of Psychology has found that disagreeable younger people are more likely to prefer aggressive dogs, confirming the conventional wisdom that dogs match the personality of their owners.
Researchers found that low agreeableness was the best predictor of a preference for those dogs seen as more aggressive, such as bull terriers or boxers. Individuals low in agreeableness are typically less concerned with others' well-being and may be suspicious, unfriendly and competitive.
However, the study found no link between liking an aggressive dog and delinquent behaviour, or the possibility that liking an aggressive dog is an act of 'status display' to show off or attract romantic partners.
Dr Vincent Egan, lead researcher on the study, said: "This type of study is important, as it shows assumptions are not the whole picture. It is assumed owners of aggressive dogs (or dogs perceived as aggressive) are antisocial show-offs. But we did not find persons who expressed a preference for aggressive dogs had committed more delinquent acts, or reported showing off more.
"However, we did find a preference for a dog with an aggressive reputation was related to being younger and being lower in agreeableness (i.e., being less concerned with the needs of others, and being quicker to become hostile)."
The study looked at the reasons why some people prefer aggressive dog breeds. Professor Egan explained: "A lot of human behaviour involves status display and dominance, and evolutionarily this helps with finding mates. Basic personality also influences a lot of our behaviour. By measuring both at the same time, we could see whether they each had an influence on liking aggressive dogs, or whether one was due to another.
"We were surprised mating effort did not have an influence here, but think it might be because we looked at a wider age range. A preference for a non-aggressive dog may also make a statement about a person; liking a pedigree Labrador or a clipped Poodle may be as much a statement as having a pit-bull with a studded collar."
In the study, participants indicated their preference for different types of dogs, and filled in personality tests. The dogs were independently rated according to how aggressive people perceived them to be. Bull terriers were rated as most aggressive, followed by boxers; retrievers and cocker spaniels were seen as least aggressive.
Analysing the findings, the research team found that certain personality factors indicated a preference for dogs perceived to be more aggressive. Low agreeableness and higher conscientiousness were related to a preference for aggressive dog breeds. Younger people were also more likely to prefer the aggressive breeds.
Surprisingly, the results indicated a small effect suggesting that those who liked aggressive dogs showed signs of conscientiousness - being careful, reliable and thoughtful about their actions. This contradicts the perception that owners of aggressive dogs are always irresponsible.
Dr Egan said: "These results with conscientiousness were unexpected, but the effect is a small one, and needs to be repeated in a different group of people. Studies of this kind tend to only look at a restricted age ranges, which may exaggerate findings which do not occur across the entire lifespan, so we believe a stereotype is always true, whereas it may only be true under certain conditions. Our study employed a broader age range.
"We were surprised to find a small association between a preference for aggressive dogs and greater conscientiousness (i.e., valuing and following rules). However, dogs also prefer rules and firm boundaries themselves. We speculate that cheap dog-training classes would be enjoyable and beneficial for both dog and owner."
The findings were published last week in the journal Anthrozoos.
Fabtek Solutions has announced the launch of Meditek, an activated carbon wound dressing which has been impregnated with silver to enhance its antibacterial qualities.
Joy Coutts from Fabtek Solutions said: "Meditek uses Zorflex which is a 100% pure activated carbon fibre. It has a huge surface area due to its microporous structure, and a permanent electrostatic charge that attracts bacteria towards it, where they are immobilised and retained. When removed from the substrate, the bacteria die, but the microscopic particulates of metallic silver accelerate the bacteria kill.
"Better still, Meditek carries no risk phases as it's non toxic and non invasive."
Joy added: "We are commercial members of the Vet Wound Library, an initiative designed to help promote modern wound care to veterinary professionals, it also means members can try our dressings for free."
According to Fabtek, Meditek has been tried and tested by vets and produced excellent results. The company's website also features some case studies which show the wound before and after the use of Meditek.
Dressings are available in 10cm x 10cm, and 15cm x 25cm sizes, which can be cut to fit. Prices start from £35 for a box of five.
For more information, see http://www.fabteksolutions.com/, email admin@fabteksolutions.com or call 07794094011.
The RCVS and VN Councils Elections are now open for nominations from candidates who wish to stand in 2011.
RCVS Registrar Jane Hern said: "We are always pleased when veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses are prepared to contribute personally to the activities of the College and the governance of their own professions.
"Serving as a Council Member requires a fair amount of an individual's time and effort however, so we are announcing the nomination period in good time to allow people the chance to consider their options and make plans accordingly."
Six seats on RCVS Council and two on VN Council are due to be filled in the 2011 elections. Those elected will take their seats on RCVS Day next July, to serve four-year terms, and will be expected to spend at least six to eight days a year attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees (a loss-of-earnings allowance is available).
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, manifesto and photograph for inclusion in the RCVS News Extra election specials. Nobody can nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may make nominations.
Nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2011. Full details and guidance notes for both elections are available on the RCVS Council Election page and VN Council Election page.
Nomination forms and candidate information forms for RCVS Council may be requested from Mrs Gabi Braun (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk) and those for VN Council from Mrs Annette Amato (020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
Sarah, who qualified from University College Dublin in 2009, spent 13 years in both mixed and small animal practice in Ireland and the UK, before joining iM3 dental in 2020.
While in practice, she developed an interest in small animal veterinary dentistry and completed Pfizer Animal Health's Dental Leadership course. She continued to concentrate on further dental-related CPD, focusing on dental charting and radiography. At iM3 Dental, Sarah regularly trains both vets and nurses in dental radiography positioning techniques.
Sarah says the new webinars were made as a way for iM3 to show its appreciation of all veterinary nurses and say thanks. The webinars include:
To watch the webinars, visit: https://www.veterinarywebinurse.com/videos/im3-dental
The RCVS is conducting a survey of veterinary nurses, to complement the regular surveys of veterinary surgeons it carries out. You can take part by clicking the link at the foot of this article. The purpose of the survey is to take a snapshot of the veterinary nursing profession in 2008, and anticipate future trends and changes. "We hope to find out more about veterinary nurses' employment type and experiences, working patterns and professional development," according to Andrea Jeffery, Chairman of the Veterinary Nurses Council. "We will also be asking about nurses' aspirations for the short- and long-term and their current views on the profession." The survey results will help to show how the provision of veterinary services might be affected by various factors, including numbers of student veterinary nurses, career breaks, part-time working, and nurses choosing to work outside the profession. It will help the College to understand the changing role of veterinary nurses within the veterinary team, the impact of the non-statutory Register of Veterinary Nurses and to determine future training needs. It will also inform ongoing discussions about new veterinary legislation. The survey is being carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), an independent, not-for-profit research organisation. All veterinary nurses will receive a hard copy of the survey towards the end of January. It is also possible to complete it online at http://www.employmentresearch.co.uk/rcvs_vns.htm
Novartis Animal Health has assumed marketing responsibilities for the joint health supplement Dasuquin in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Dasuquin is a veterinary formulation developed to deliver advanced cartilage support in dogs. It contains a combination of glucosamine hydrochloride, chondroitin sulphate, avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), and tea polyphenols. Novartis says these compounds work synergistically to protect the cartilage, thereby playing an important role in supporting and maintaining joint health.
Novartis highlights a 2007 study which, according to the company, demonstrates that the combination of ASU, chondroitin sulphate, and glucosamine hydrochloride delivers incremental benefits compared to the combination of chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride alone.1
Dasuquin is available in flavoured chewable tablets in 80-count containers. Dasuquin is available in two strengths: small-to-medium dogs weighing between 5 and 25 kg and for large dogs weighing over 25 to 50 kg.
Gaynor Hillier, General Manager UK & Ireland Novartis Animal Health said: "This is a fitting addition to our overall orthopaedic health offering for vets and pet owners. Dasuquin brings vets and dog owners advanced joint health support with the next generation of the popular Cosequin family."
Dasuquin is available from Novartis Animal Health in the United Kingdom and Ireland from licensed veterinary wholesalers. For more information on Dasuquin, contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager
Reference:
Zoetis has announced the results of a YouGov survey it commissioned to look at pet owner compliance.
The survey, which formed part of the company's 'Respect Antibiotics' campaign, indicates that owners believe they are reasonably compliant. 55% of those surveyed had administered antibiotic tablets to their dog. 88% of those claimed not to have missed a dose, 87% claimed not to have any medication left at the end of the course and 89% administered medication at the same time each day.
Nevertheless, the majority of owners (52%) said they struggled to give their dog a pill and 19% believed they had insufficient information from their vet on the importance of accurate dosing and course completion. 47% said they would prefer to be offered a single treatment given by their vet and most (52%) were prepared to pay a premium for this option.
When it comes to osteoarthritis (OA) medication, the survey found that dog owners are slightly less diligent. Of the 41% surveyed that had given OA/pain medication at some point, 79% claimed not to miss a dose, 62% claimed to finish the course and 87% claimed to administer the medication at the same time each day. Once again, convenience was important, with 48% preferring a monthly treatment, rising to 57% for a long term condition and 52% being prepared to pay a premium for it. Only 17% opted for daily medication.
Andrew Page, product manager for Convenia and Trocoxil said: "We are aware that there may be a disconnect between what pet owners claim to do and what they actually do, especially as nearly half of those surveyed (49%) admitted to forgetting their own daily medication. However, the message that comes out loud and clear is that dog owners would like to be offered medication that can either be given less frequently or administered by their vet, especially as over half of those surveyed had struggled to give antibiotics to their dog and 45% had difficulties giving OA/pain medication."
Only a quarter of nurses and about a third of vets believe in a God, according to a poll carried out amongst the members of www.vetnurse.co.uk and www.vetsurgeon.org
The poll offered four possible responses to the question: Does God exist? The results from 120 members of VetNurse were:
Interestingly, the results were more polarised amongst vets than nurses. More vets described themselves as either believers (32.3%) or atheists (44.4%), with fewer describing themselves as agnostic (18.5%).
The VetSurgeon poll suggests that vets and nurses are less likely to believe in God than the general population. In 2004, a survey commissioned by the BBC found that 56% of Britons believed in God, and in 2005 a survey by the European Commission found that 38% of Britons believed in God.
A survey announced by Penguin books yesterday to mark the publication of 'Killing God' found that only 34% of those aged 13 to 18 believe in God.
Another survey in 2008 found that only 3.3% of Royal Society fellows believed in God, causing researchers to conclude that people with a higher IQ are less likely to have faith, a finding which tallies with a previous Gallup survey which showed that American postgraduate degree holders were less likely to believe in God than those who had been through high school only.
Good to see that the God complex is alive and well in the veterinary profession: 2.5% of nurses and 4.8% of vets voted for the fourth option in the VetNurse / VetSurgeon poll, which was: "Don't be so silly, I AM God"
Woodley Equipment has become the UK distributor for the full portfolio of SpotChem products from Japanese manufacturer, Arkray.
The range of products includes:
For more information about the new SpotChem analysers, visit: www.woodleyequipment.com/, email: sales@woodleyequipment.com or call on +44(0)1204 669033.
The model for the forecast was developed by the College with the Institute of Employment Studies using data from the RCVS Registers, the 2019 and 2024 Surveys of the Professions, Office for National Statistics data for projected economic growth and the PDSA’s Animal Wellbeing (PAW) Reports.
However, the model does not take account of the impact of the increasing costs of veterinary care on pet ownership trends, the full effect of which may not yet have been felt.
The main predictions of the model are:
Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Chief Executive Officer, said: “In 2021, there were clear concerns about there being a workforce crisis within the veterinary professions, and while that certainly seemed to be the case, and is likely to continue to be so in the short-term, according to this model the future picture for the professions looks much better in most areas of veterinary practice.
“We are aware that there may be some concerns about the implications of the model, particularly concerning the potential oversupply of veterinary nurses.
"While we stand by the robustness of the data, demography is not destiny, and with the planned enhancement of the veterinary nurse role, and the likelihood of suppressed demand due to prior shortages, it is likely that the number of veterinary nursing roles will expand to encompass the number of veterinary nurses available to work in it.
“Finally, we are aware that there are also some limitations to the model in its current form, for example, in terms of regional data.
"This is a work in progress, and we will continue to update and improve the model as and when new data allows.”
The workforce modelling report is available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/publications