Petplan is delighted to announce Kelly Cummings has won the Petplan Insurance Advisor of the Year Award. She was presented with her award at the BVNA ceremony on Saturday 11th October. This award recognises the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners as a means of financial protection. Simon Wheeler, Head of Marketing at Petplan said: "Kelly is a great advocate for pet insurance. Establishing pet insurance as part of the culture in her practice made Kelly stand out as an ambassador for others to follow. As practice manager of Albavets in Glasgow, Kelly leads by example to ensure pet insurance benefits both clients and the veterinary practice itself." The other finalists were Fiona Andrew from Tay Valley Veterinary Centre in Perth and Helen Rosser from Blythman & Partners in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The award was judged by last year's winner Sally Harrison, President of VPMA, Sarah Hibbert and Vicky Field of Petplan. This award coincides with the launch of Petplan's new and improved online training course for PIAs which allows nurses to continue their personal development training and earn valuable CPD points. The scheme helps practices offer the complete package of knowledge to pet owners and encourages clients to return as they know that the practice goes that extra mile to help with all their needs - clinical as well as financial. To find out more about how to become a PIA, log onto http://www.petplanpia.co.uk/ and if you register before the 31st December 2008 you will be entered into a free prize draw with a chance to win a laptop!
Vet Helpline, run by the Veterinary Benevolent Fund to offer 24-hour support to veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses with emotional, addictive or financial problems, has agreed to extend its team of trained volunteers to include two veterinary nurses. The move comes following concerns raised by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' Veterinary Nurses Council about sources of support for veterinary nurses, which led to discussions with the Vet Helpline team and the British Veterinary Nursing Association. The issue has particularly come to the fore now that over 70% of veterinary nurses have joined the RCVS Register. Registered Veterinary Nurses commit to demonstrate their professional responsibility to colleagues and the animal-owning public, which may lead to increased levels of stress, particularly as RVNs become accustomed to their new responsibilities. In addition, in the College's recent Survey of the Veterinary Nursing Profession, the majority of VNs agreed with the statement 'VN work is stressful'. For both reasons the College is keen to ensure that accessible support is available to VNs. "I am delighted that Vet Helpline has offered to train veterinary nurses as helpers. The helpline has always been available to veterinary nurses but this move confirms the willingness of the VBF to encourage VNs to use the service," commented Andrea Jeffery, Chairman of the RCVS Veterinary Nurses Council. "I would urge all VNs to use the support services available to them if they feel under pressure, or know that a colleague may need some help," she adds. A torch bearing the Vet Helpline number is available free to visitors to the RCVS stand at BVNA Congress this weekend (11 October), together with a leaflet outlining sources of support, including Vet Helpline, the Veterinary Surgeons Health Support Scheme, the BVNA Legal Helpline, http://www.vetlife.org.uk/ and the RCVS itself.
The European Advisory Board on Cat Diseases (ABCD) has issued new guidelines concerning rabies in cats. The organisation, which is made up of 17 independent veterinary experts, meets 3 times a year to discuss major infectious feline diseases. The rabies guidelines are the latest in the series, which are available for download at: http://www.abcd-vets.org/guidelines/index.asp
The Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA) is launching its new Continuous Professional Development (CPD) scheme today, designed to ensure that the Authority's registered Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) keep up to date with the latest animal medicines information.
In order to maintain their SQP status, every SQP will have to achieve a minimum number of CPD points during each AMTRA CPD period, running for two years from July to June. However, in the initial stages of the scheme, this first period will run for 33 months, from October 2008 to June 2011, allowing AMTRA to fine tune the system if required and give its SQPs time to get used to the new structure.
During these CPD periods, SQPs are required to obtain a minimum number of CPD points depending on their SQP type:
SQP Type: Modules; VPS medicines supplied; CPD Points R-SQP: FAM+EQM+CAM; All VPS Medicines; 70 points G-SQP: FAM+EQM; VPS-farm animals and equines only; 50 points K-SQP: FAM+CAM; VPS-farm and companion animals only; 50 points E-SQP: EQM+CAM; VPS-equines and companion animals only; 50 points L-SQP: FAM; VPS-farm animals only; 30 points J-SQP: EQM; VPS-equines only; 30 points C-SQP: CAM; VPS-companion animals only; 30 points
(FAM - Farm Animal Module, EQM - Equine Module, CAM - Companion Animal Module)
In essence, this means that 20 points are required per animal group, plus a further 10 points. Dr Roger Dawson, Secretary of AMTRA comments, "There is no maximum number of CPD points that SQPs can accumulate and we will be encouraging them to gain the benefit of as much CPD as they can."
Those SQPs who do not achieve the minimum number of CPD points by the end of the period will not be eligible to renew their status for the following year. However, such SQPs will have the option of sitting an examination before the end of that CPD period in order to maintain their SQP status and eligible be to renew for the next year.
SQPs will have a range of avenues through which to gain CPD points, ranging from four types of AMTRA-accredited CPD Events, to online study and personal study. With CPD Events and online studies, accreditation and points will be awarded by the AMTRA CPD Accreditation Panel. With personal study, AMTRA accepts a degree of self-certification of this form of CPD, however the points gained in this way are limited to a relatively small proportion of the minimum required in a CPD period.
Throughout a CPD period, all SQPs are required to attend at least ONE CPD Event. These events will comprise a range of modules that will be assessed for coverage, of relevant topics ranging from legislation, regulations and prevalence & effects of parasites and pathogens, to control of disease management, resistance, warnings and SARS.
Dr Dawson says, "The new CPD scheme has the necessary flexibility to allow SQPs to gain the required CPD points via a number of routes, from accredited CPD events and online study to personal study. Furthermore, the structure of the scheme ensures that their studies will be properly assessed to ensure they have gained the necessary knowledge to secure their CPD points."
The British Veterinary Association has welcomed the British Veterinary Nursing Association and the Veterinary Practice Management Association as Affiliate members. Affiliate and Associate are newly activated BVA membership categories, and the election of BVNA and the VPMA as Affiliates also encourages any of their suitably qualified members to apply for Associate membership of the BVA. According to the BVA, Affiliate status in no way affects an organisation's own remit and responsibilities towards its members. What it does mean is that Affiliates can benefit from the BVA's knowledge and expertise in such areas as lobbying and marketing. In welcoming BVNA and VPMA newly elected BVA President Nicky Paull said: "I am delighted that my Presidential year coincides with the BVA family embracing both veterinary nurses and veterinary practice managers. Both are integral members of the veterinary team and we believe that our new relationship will bring lasting benefits to all parties. BVA looks forward to supporting our new Affiliates in promoting the professionalism of both veterinary nursing and veterinary practice management not only within the profession but to the wider community.
These are exciting, if challenging times, for the veterinary community world-wide and I have no doubt that our new relationship will strengthen not only our individual associations but the profession as a whole."
According to the European Scientific Counsel for Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP), serious zoonotic diseases, currently rife across Europe, could be a far more serious threat to pet and human health in the UK than official figures suggest. Vets and parasitologists at an ESCCAP meeting held in Bristol on 19th September, heard evidence that UK cases of diseases such as leishmaniosis and babesiosis are grossly under-reported. ESCCAP is urging vets and parasitologists to help raise awareness of the threat and lobby the Government to prevent further relaxation of pet movement restrictions. According to DACTARI, the voluntary web-based Dog And Cat Travel And Risk Information scheme, just 19 cases of leishmaniosis, 10 babesiosis, 10 ehrlichiosis and one case of dirofilariosis had been recorded between 1 January 2003 and 30 September 2006, which are the latest figures reported on the Defra website. But latest figures presented by Susan Shaw, senior lecturer in dermatological and applied immunology, revealed a screening programme underway at Bristol University casts serious doubts on the reliability of the Defra-backed service to monitor cases. "From 2005 to 2007 we recorded 257 cases of leishmaniosis. The babesiosis cases you can multiply by about five, the ehrlichiosis cases by about 10 and dirofilariosis by three," Ms Shaw told delegates at the sixth ESCCAP meeting. "That is absolutely outrageous - we are dealing with a massive number of cases. I would be very concerned if we are making decisions for the UK based on the DACTARI figures." Maggie Fisher, an independent consultant in veterinary parasitology and founding member of ESCCAP pointed out that the PETS (Pet Travel Scheme), has issued dogs and cats with passports for travel across Europe since 2000 and has proven immensely popular, with 76,000 dogs entering the UK in January to October 2007 alone. "What is coming into the country with those animals is not well documented," said Mrs Fisher. Case studies point to harrowing experiences for individual families travelling with their dogs to mainland Europe unaware of the dangers. "One family thought they'd done everything they should because they followed the instructions under PETS. What they didn't realise is that they weren't protected against ticks, tick-borne diseases and worms whilst they were away and their dog picked up babesiosis." Human health and veterinary professionals at the meeting explored the real threat and implications of parasites across Europe. Peter Deplazes of ESCCAP, Switzerland, reported that the human form of Echinococcus multilocularis claims three or four lives per year in Switzerland and is a very common endoparasitic diagnosis in dogs. Forty per cent of foxes are infected with E multilocularis. Leishmaniosis causes renal failure in dogs, reported ESCCAP Spain's Lupe Miro Corrales, often leading to death or euthanasia. Worldwide more than 12 million people are already infected, and one in ten at risk of being infected. Stray dogs and cats are important carriers and almost 80 per cent of sero-positive dogs have no clinical signs. Natural controls offered by the UK's island status are now under threat. Currently a derogation allows the UK, and four other EU member states, stricter controls to help maintain their Echinococcus multilocularis and tick-borne disease free status. It extends to July 2010 but comes up for review next year, pointed out Maggie Tomlinson from the Department of Health, who is taking the case to the EU Commission. "I can say categorically that they are not keen for us to keep the derogation and it's going to be a very hard fight. We only have until January to push the Commission to make a decision." Chairman-elect of ESCCAP Europe, James Duncan, pointed out the organisation is seeking to raise awareness of the serious risks posed by endo and ecto-parasites to human and animal health, and is developing independent guidelines and educational materials for their optimal control. "There is no immediate panacea," he said. But those in the veterinary profession who are aware of the risks should take action. "It is up to you to lobby - put your voice to Government and influence the pet passport scheme. You can do that and it will help our cause because we are singing from the same hymn sheet."
Bayer Animal Health has launched Renalzin®, a feed additive for the management of Chronic Renal Disease (CRD), the leading cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in older cats 1.
One-third of all cats over 15 years of age have CRD2, but the disease often remains undetected until the cat suddenly falls ill, by which stage 85% of kidney function may have already been lost3. The clinical signs are often subtle and non-specific, and diagnosis is complicated by the fact that changes in laboratory values occur relatively late in the disease.
Dr. Dennis Chew, specialist in veterinary urology and nephrology at the Ohio State University, said: "Most veterinary surgeons understand that CRD affects many cats, especially as they age, and is a leading cause of death. CRD is difficult to identify in early stages - early intervention with treatment can prevent progression of CRD to those with more serious kidney deficits. Restriction of dietary phosphorus intake is known to be a pivotal beneficial step in the stabilisation of CRD. Renalzin is a paste specifically formulated for cats that prevents dietary phosphate absorption across the intestine - a beneficial effect is gained when added to the cat's normal diet or to a veterinary renal diet".
The main ingredient of Renalzin is Bayer-registered Lantharenol® (lanthanum carbonate), a phosphate binder which binds to dietary phosphate within the gastrointestinal tract. According to the company, this renders it indigestible and thereby eases the burden on the already damaged kidneys.
Renalzin contains two additional ingredients - kaolin and vitamin E. Kaolin is a toxin binder which helps to reduce the absorption of toxins from the gastrointestinal tract. Vitamin E is known to reduce free radicals, improving immunity and protecting the integrity of cell membranes.
Bayer says that clinical studies demonstrate that Renalzin significantly increases faecal elimination and decreases urinary excretion of phosphorus 5. The product also decreases phosphate digestibility (absorption) in cats that are on both high and lower phosphate diets6. In addition, studies have shown that Renalzin causes a decrease in serum phosphate levels in cats with standard maintenance diets non-restricted in phosphorus7. Finally, a clinical trial in feline CRD patients revealed that taking Renalzin resulted in improvements in general clinical examination parameters as assessed by their veterinary surgeons over a two month period in cats on a normal diet7.
Renalzin comes in a pump applicator. One pump action provides 1 ml, with 2 ml being the recommended daily dose applied to and/or mixed with the cat's food. Having a neutral taste and being odourless, Renalzin® does not change the flavour of the cat's food and is flexible for clients to use as it can be given once or twice daily depending on the cat's feeding pattern.
References 1 Lulich JP, O'Brien TD, Osbourne CA, Polzin DJ. Feline renal failure: questions, answers, questions. Cd Cont Ed Pract Vet 1992, 14(2): 127 - 151. 2 Polzin DJ, Osbourne CA, Adams LG, Lulich JP. Medical management of feline chronic renal failure. In, Bonagura JD, Kirk RW (eds). Current Veterinarian Therapy X1. Philadelphia, PA, Saunders, 1992: 848-853. 3 Grauer GF. Early detection of renal damage and disease in dogs and cats. Vet Clin Small Animal 2005, 35: 581-596. 4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanthanum_carbonate. 5 Schmidt B et al Bay 78-1887, J Vet Pharmacol Therap 2006, 29 (Suppl 1): 206-207 6 Schmidt B, Spiecker-Hauser U, Gropp J. Effecrt of Lantharenol® on apparent phosphorus absorption from a conventional feline maintenance diet and a renal diet for cats. Proc Soc Nutr Physiol (2008) 17, in press.7 Data submitted for publication.
There's a lot going on at the Hill's stand at BVNA Congress this year, including some useful give-aways, and some great competition prizes:
Every visitor to the stand will receive a free umbrella (which should be useful, given the weather this year!).
Also on offer is free registration to the Veterinary Nutrition Academy - an on-line resource offering access to all Hill's courses, CPD and events. The first 200 nurses or trainees to register during congress will receive a set of pretty and protective lip balms.
There's also a free prize draw in which you could win a Nikon Coolpix 6 Mega pixel digital camera or one of 25 level 1 VNA courses on offer each day.
Last, but not least, Hill's says there is bags of information available on weight management and mobility, so nurses thinking about setting up clinics and looking for tools, ideas and support should definitely stop by.
Once business has been attended to, you can also have a go on a Nintendo Wii that Hill's will have on stand.
Vets Now is inviting all veterinary nurses attending this year's BVNA to disco down to their disco themed stand and take part in the Vets Now prize draw for a chance to win a £500 shopping trip with a personal shopper. Whether it's a high fashion trip to Harvey Nick's, a day spent browsing the rails of Top Shop, or a trolley dash round Primark, whoever wins the competition will get to choose the shop where they want to spend the £500 and have a personal shopper on hand to put these all important outfits together. The main BVNA Congress is the only event of its kind in the UK for veterinary nurses and practice staff, attracting over 1,000 delegates and 100 exhibitors. This annual event takes place this year at Kettering Conference Centre on Friday to Sunday, October 10-12, with BVNA members benefiting from considerable discounts on registration. Vets Now will be at stands 114 and 115 at BVNA.
Novartis Animal Health has announced the winners of the Best Practice Employer Awards, set up to recognise vets and veterinary practices that create the best working environment for their nursing and support staff.
This year, there was a special award for the veterinary nurse that made best use of the opportunities given to them by their employer, which was won by Katherine Corbett VN from Nine Lives Veterinary Practice in Redbourne. On her own initiative, she'd set up a series of talks at local schools to recruit new clients for her practice, and her attention to detail impressed all the judges.
Even more remarkable was Katherine's first question when told of her £500 prize: "Can I spend it on buying one of Kruuse's Buster ICU cages for the practice? Emily has given me so much; I'd love to give something back."
How many of us would immediately give the lion's share of a prize back to our boss? Probably not many, and it speaks volumes both about Katherine and Emily, her boss. Indeed, Katherine has unwittingly become something of an ambassador for the nursing profession.
Rachel Smithson, Marketing Manager at Novartis said: "We're using the awards to spread the word in the wider profession about the benefits of creating a good working environment for nurses. Katherine's spontaneous generosity really captured the spirit of the awards, and I can think of few better ways to demonstrate the kind of dedication that veterinary nurses give a good boss".
The winners and their teams are pictured below:
Sarah Palmer (left) of Novartis Animal Health makes the presentation to head nurse Katherine Corbett and veterinary surgeon Emily Holbrook of Nine Lives Veterinary Practice; behind them are Anne Corbett (receptionist), Lindsay Harrison (nursing assistant), and Laura Steele (veterinary surgeon).
Kenneth Agnew from Novartis Animal Health prepares to present Kenneth Davison with his Best Practice Employer Award, whilst the team toast their boss.
Veterinary Nursing Assistant Abby Brown (left) and Abby Roberts from Novartis Animal Health toast Garth Tozer, Novartis Best Practice Employer Award winner.
Donna Lewis (BVNA), and Novartis Animal Health CEO George Gunn present Dr Richard Dixon with his award.
Elizabeth Fyfe took a big risk when she decided on a career change. After nine years as the manager of a betting shop, she decided to follow her heart and dedicate her working life to animals. Recently, Elizabeth proved she is on track to win her dream ticket: becoming qualified as a Veterinary Nurse and working in veterinary practice caring for animals; after receiving Hill's Pet Nutrition Award for the Top Student in Level 2 Exams at Edinburgh's Telford College.
Giving up a lucrative career and stable employment was no small decision but Elizabeth has no regrets, "My passion for animals prompted my career change. The training has proved to be hard work but I am enjoying it immensely and know that I have a great network of support from qualified staff if I need it. I'm looking forward to a long, rewarding career when I qualify."
In October, Elizabeth returns to Telford to complete her Level 3 training to qualify as a Registered Veterinary Nurse. Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's said, "Our congratulations go to Elizabeth on her award. It's great to hear about mature students coming in to the profession and being successful."
The Telford course is run jointly with Glasgow Veterinary School and currently supports nearly 50 student veterinary nurses at different stages of their training.
In the most recent Petplan Pet Census, an annual study of pet ownership in the UK, 97% of vets reported that a lack of funds had led to owners choosing euthanasia over treatment.
Whilst some cases are the result of one-off ‘emergency' treatment, manageable long-term conditions are often at the root of much unnecessary euthanasia because owners simply cannot afford the cost of ongoing treatment. Reported increases in pet obesity and diabetes, arthritis and behavioural problems have all been cited in the Pet Census as common causes of increased and ongoing vet bills.
Vets have been reporting a rise in diseases that are related to obesity in companion animals for some time and with the Petplan Pet Census panel of almost two hundred (198) UK veterinary practices reporting that more than one third (36%) of all dogs and one quarter (29%) of cats they treat are obese, the future for many pets looks bleak. More than half (53%) of vets say that cases of cat and dog diabetes are on the increase. Obesity is actually bucking the trend of more historically significant diseases, including kennel cough and feline leukaemia, which are either remaining static or decreasing.
The number of pets with behavioural problems is also on the rise, with more than half of vets (55%) reporting an increase and most (95%) practices offering support for these animals. Effective treatment is not a quick-fix solution and requires changes to the owner's lifestyle and lengthy work with experts in the field.
Petplan Vet of the Year, Brian Faulkner said: "I think it is a common misconception that the predicament forcing pet owners to euthanase their pet is the out-of-the-blue, one-off vet fees for emergencies. But in fact we are noticing that owners whose pets have on-going illnesses such as diabetes and even behavioural problems that are very manageable are being faced with the dreadful decision to have to euthanase than face the ongoing financial burden. It's even more devastating when the owners have actually taken out an insurance policy but the nature of the policy only covers treatment of any one condition for up to one year. I always advise people to make sure their policies do not cap the time period over which any one condition is covered to avoid this very problem as more comprehensive insurers are then unable to offer cover on a pre-existing condition."
Simon Wheeler, Head of Marketing at Petplan, said: "We receive over 8,700 claims per week and of the top ten claims, six could be recurrent manageable conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis - the very animals that are currently most at risk of being euthanased."
Research announced simultaneously by Sainsbury's Finance has reached similar conclusions. Sainsbury's found that:
Sainsbury's believes that there are two main reasons for this tragic problem: advances in veterinary care leading to increased costs, and the large number (55%) of pets that remain uninsured. Ed's note: Isn't it time that pet insurance became compulsory?
The invaluable work done by equestrian vets in the UK is to be recognised with a new award sponsored by leading equine insurance provider Petplan Equine at the Animal Health Trust Awards in November. The ‘Petplan Equine Vet of the Year' award people's vote will reflect the huge contribution made by vets to the equine community. Owners and riders will be able to nominate their equine vet for the award if they feel that they are deserving of the recognition that this accolade would bring. Veterinary practice personnel are also encouraged to nominate a colleague who they feel has gone beyond the call of duty. Leaflets have been sent to practices across the UK outlining how to nominate and people can also register through the Petplan Equine website http://www.petplanequine.co.uk/. A short list will be drawn up from the nominations received and an independent panel will decide the winner, who will receive his or her award at the Animal Health Trust Equestrian Awards in London on November 6th 2008. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Animal Health Trust Equestrian Awards, which recognise the outstanding achievements made by horses, riders, owners and trainers throughout the equestrian world. This milestone coincides with Petplan Equine's 20th anniversary and, since 1994 when the Petplan Equine Charitable Trust was founded, it has raised over £5 million, almost £500,000 of which has been donated to the AHT to fund research and development. Jo Whitaker of Petplan Equine says: "It has been a privilege to be involved with the AHT Awards over the years and we look forward to this exciting 20th anniversary year. Petplan Equine has sponsored the Eventing Award for the past three years but this new award will recognise the commitment and hard work of people within the equine veterinary profession and the service they provide to horse owners. Horse welfare is paramount at Petplan Equine and we are committed to promoting responsible horse ownership, through our wide range of policies, our charitable contributions and our Horse Handbook. This award will give the equine community the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the vet who has made the most outstanding contribution to the care of horses." To nominate go to http://www.petplanequine.co.uk/. The closing date for nomination is 3rd October 2008.
Vets Now, the Out Of Hours emergency vets has announced the launch of Winchester's first dedicated 24/7 pet ambulance service. Specifically designed for the comfortable and secure transport of all small animals, the new state-of-the-art ambulance is fully kitted out with the latest in emergency equipment. After completing a course of rigorous training, the fully trained 'Petamedics' (the animal equivalent of Paramedics), took to the streets of Winchester earlier in the month. Gareth Roscoe, Vets Now Ambulance Service Team Leader said: "This service will make a real difference to animals in a distressed or critical situation. We've responded to a variety of cases over the past few weeks; one of the most recent ones being a nine week old puppy who was receiving emergency treatment at the Vets Now clinic in Winchester after his owner accidentally fell on him. Charlie was brought to the clinic collapsed and unresponsive with signs of head trauma. The vets set up an intensive treatment plan for him and by the morning, he was almost back to normal and we took him back to his daytime vet. "The ambulance service provides owners in the Winchester area with the safest and fastest method of transporting their pets to get medical treatment twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. What's more, the service is also available to owners who have routine transportation problems; so whether owners and their pets are visiting their clinic for a veterinary appointment, attending a referral centre or even going to the groomers, the Vets Now Ambulance offers them a reliable solution to all their pet transportation needs." The ambulance is a significant new addition to the already established Vets Now Emergency Clinic which is based at the Mildmay Veterinary Centre, Easton Lane in Winchester. Caroline Hirst, Senior Veterinary Surgeon at the emergency clinic commented; "The dedicated 24 hour ambulance has already been called out to help several of our clients ahead of its official media launch on 25 September. As an emergency clinic, we often admit patients overnight, and a real plus of having the ambulance is that we can ensure that pets can be returned to their regular vet or back to their owner in the morning safely and with the minimum of fuss. From experience, Vets Now knows that there are regular occasions when owners are afraid to move their pet if it is unwell or has been involved in an accident. We hope that being able to offer the ambulance service will be of great benefit not only to pets but also to owners, giving them peace of mind that their pet is being cared for and transported in a safe environment until it receives the necessary veterinary treatment at the clinic."
Following an outdoor advertising campaign that ran earlier this year, Drontal has launched a new national campaign, which will see the iconic Schnauzer featured on over 6,000 outdoor sites across England, Scotland and Wales. Drontal product manager, Dan White said: "The last Drontal outdoor advertising campaign was a huge success in driving pet-owning clients into practices and we're hoping to build on this with our new advertising push.
"Approximately, 20% of the new advertising sites will be located within a 500 metre radius of veterinary practices serving to drive pet owners to visit local practices to purchase Drontal. We're not only highlighting the benefits of regular worming which results in healthier cats and dogs, but we're also improving the health of practice business."
For further information on Drontal, please contact your Bayer territory manager.
CPC, the pet crematorium has opened a new facility for bereaved owners who wish to make their final farewell to a much loved pet in person. The farewell suite forms part of CPC's extended premises on the A505 just south of Cambridge at Thriplow Heath. "Being pet owners ourselves as well as professionals, we appreciate how comforting it can be to say goodbye in a way that best reflects the close relationship between pet and owner," said CPC director Duncan Francis. "Often this is expressed through an individual cremation. This gives the owner a final opportunity to say farewell and helps them to achieve closure. At the same time it provides them with their pet's ashes to retain or scatter as they wish. CPC's new suite comprises a reception area, two private rooms, and a viewing room. It has a separate entrance from the offices, so that people who are attending an individual cremation have maximum privacy. "The enlarged facility also means that they can take their time to compose themselves afterwards and leave when they feel ready," Duncan added. The Heydon and Heathfield suites are furnished in calming shades of green, blue and grey with soft cream walls and light ash woodwork. The reception area includes a plasma screen showing tranquil pictures of the garden of remembrance to welcome visitors, while 'alphamusic', which is carefully composed to calm and relax people, plays in the background. The private rooms have a range of comfortable seating and are decorated with subtle floral arrangements and soft pictures. The viewing room contains a purpose-built catafalque (or raised bier) made from Corian. This material consists of a blend of natural minerals, marble and acrylics to provide a peaceful place for the pet's body to rest upon while owners say their goodbyes. The farewell suite is part of a major extension to CPC's main facility. Formally opened in May 2008, this comprises new office accommodation and production capacity for its veterinary waste services. The company moved to the site in the early 1980s. It is licensed for four cremators together with low emissions rotoclaves for the sterilisation of a range of veterinary and clinical wastes and employs approximately 80 people.
CEVA Animal Health has joined forces with PDSA, Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB) and the Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors (APBC) to launch a 'Remember, remember your pets this November' campaign to provide owners with hints and tips on how to look after their pets during the firework season and the precautions they should take to help them cope with their fear of fireworks.
As part of this year's campaign, CEVA will again be running the 'Promote Your Practice' competition, to help practices get the most out of PR and marketing opportunities in the run up to Bonfire Night. Lucy Brett, product manager at CEVA Animal Health said: "Nearly 90 per cent of veterinary professionals believe that owners could do more to protect their pets from the stress of fireworks. It is therefore important that veterinary practices provide pet owners with the best advice on how to prepare their pets for Bonfire Night and ensure that the firework season is as stress free as possible." Vets are being urged to discuss behavioural modification programs for noise phobic pets well in advance of Bonfire Night and to recommend that dog owners create comforting 'dens' for their pets. The benefit of the dens should be maximised by plugging D.A.P.® Diffusers in the rooms where the dogs usually retreat when frightened. Switching the D.A.P. ® Diffuser on around a week before Bonfire Night will allow the pheromone to build up to significant levels and ensure the animal is as relaxed as possible before, during and after the firework season. In addition, D.A.P.® Spray can be applied to a dog's bedding to give further support on the night of the event. D.A.P.® is also available in a collar formulation, designed to reduce the dog's general level of stress. Cats appear generally more capable of managing their fears. However, owners should ensure that cats can access their favourite boltholes and plugging in a Feliway® Diffuser 48 hours before the festivities will increase the sense of security. To request a copy of the Promote Your Practice information pack, please call Lucy Brett at CEVA on 01494 781510.
Novartis Animal Health is launching a new in-practice healthcare initiative designed to raise owner awareness about the importance of regularly treating their pet for fleas and ticks. The Flea & Tick Patrol is supported by a range of eye-catching marketing materials to create a talking point with owners.
Rolling out from August 2008, practices can decide when they wish to run their Flea & Tick Patrol campaign. Interested parties should contact their local Novartis territory manager to find out how.
"Our Flea & Tick Patrol initiative focuses on educating owners about the importance of regularly treating their dog for fleas and ticks and raising awareness of the risks to canine and human health if they don't," said Verity Page, brand manager at Novartis. "We're providing practices with the tools to ensure they engage with clients on this subject. This campaign is about responsible pet ownership - reinforcing the benefits about the health and welfare of their dog and family.
Owners should leave the practice with a positive message about flea and tick control and have a greater understanding of the hidden dangers."
The Flea & Tick Patrol campaign could help to increase business and practice revenue. "Previous campaigns we have implemented in practice have shown that these types of awareness initiatives do add value to a practice's existing services as well as establish good client relationships," added Verity.
Marketing materials include a waiting room poster & display kit, window banner, badges, stickers and a public relations tool kit for use in the practice's communications. For more information about the Flea & Tick Patrol campaign, practices should contact their local Novartis Animal Health territory manager or call the Practice Support Line on 0800 854100.
Dechra Veterinary Products, manufacturer of the leading feline hyperthyroidism treatment Felimazole®, has launched a new website for cat owners about the disorder: http://www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk/
The website is an online version of Dechra's popular client booklets on feline hyperthyroidism and, since its launch, has averaged 500 unique visitors a month. With pages on diagnosis, treatment and even tips on how to give a pill to a cat, owners now have a place to go for more information and advice on the disease.
Matthew Olsen, product manager at Dechra Veterinary Products says: "This website is perfect for helping owners better understand and manage hyperthyroidism in their cat. It's also useful for practices as they now have somewhere to refer owners to for more information about the diagnosis and management of this complex hormonal disease."
Cards with the new website address are available for practices to hand to clients, along with waiting room posters that will serve as a further reminder of the new site. "The website allows clients to browse the site in the comfort of their own home and is also ideal for practices with limited storage space for client information materials," Dr Olsen continues. "The posters, cards and website enhance Dechra Veterinary Products' existing range of marketing materials available to vets and owners on the subject of feline hyperthyroidism."
Dechra also encourages practices that have their own websites to link directly to http://www.hyperthyroidcat.co.uk/. Practices can order posters and hand-out cards by contacting Dechra on 01743 441632 or email: info@dechra-uk.com
Nurse Helen Lower has successfully completed the Equine Veterinary Nursing qualification and becomes the first in the North of England to do so under the new direct track training system.
Until recently equine nurse training had an indirect route to qualification involving a two years' training with small animals and an extra year's specialist training to qualify as an Equine Nurse. Now The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons recognises that equine nursing requires specialist knowledge and training. It has responded appropriately with a tailor made training structure which will develop highly skilled nurses for this challenging area of veterinary medicine.
Helen Lower joined Bearl Equine Clinic three years ago. She began her career with BHS exams and taught riding for a while before joining the Hunt Service for two years.
At Bearl Equine, Helen leads a team of four nursing assistants and works closely with Jonathan Wainwright, Head of Nurse Training to implement the in-house training programme across the team.
Bearl Equine Clinic is a six vet first opinion and referral practice based in rural Northumberland. The clinic is equipped with MRI, Scintigraphy and full surgical unit.
The Company of Animals has announced the launch of the CLIX® Car Safe Harness. Designed by Animal Psychologist and founder of The Company of Animals, Dr. Roger Mugford, the CLIX® Car Safe harness has been designed to maximise safety and comfort for dogs while ensuring easy fitting and use for owners.
Ergonomically designed from one continuous loop of approved, safety-standard seatbelt material, the CLIX ® Car Safe Harness provides maximum strength restraint in the unfortunate case of an accident. With a simple buckling mechanism, there is no need to fiddle around with the dog's legs to get them through the harness. Instead, the harness clips from either side of the dog and then plugs into the seat belt socket. Alternatively, it can be looped through the seat belt harness, easily adjusting to any type of car.
The CLIX ® Car Safe Harness has been lined with soft neoprene padding at all points of contact for maximum comfort and safety. Special attention has been paid to the cross design used to protect the dog's chest to ensure that the harness remains in place, even when the dog changes position.
CLIX® Car Safe Harness is available in four sizes and is suitable for most breeds of dog. It comes with a free guide on safe travelling with dogs full of helpful tips on car safety. The CLIX® Car Safe also doubles as a walking harness.
For more information, visit http://www.companyofanimals.co.uk/clix-carsafe.php
ESCCAP - the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites - is calling for veterinary practitioners, pet owners and human health physicians to work in unison to reduce the risks associated with zoonotic transmission of parasitic diseases.
The group, comprising eminent European veterinary practitioners and leaders in veterinary parasitology and public health, have joined forces to develop independent guidelines and educational materials for the optimal control of internal and external parasites that threaten the health of pets and people.
"Our mission is simple - to ensure that parasites are no longer a health issue for pets or humans across Europe," said Maggie Fisher, ESCCAP Director, ESCCAP UK member. "Our data and research clearly outlines the future spread of certain parasites across Europe and what will happen in the UK if preventative measures are not taken seriously. The group has been formed to provide free, scientifically robust and accessible material to every interested party."
Policy guidelines to outline prevention and management strategies for endoparasites and ringworm are now readily available with guidelines on ectoparasites and vector-borne diseases in development. There is a website for veterinary professionals - http://www.esccap.org/ with a pet owner website currently in development. Practitioners also have access to important research and comparison data that shows future trends and the potential threat to the country's canine and feline population.
Maggie said: "The first policy guideline we launched is on the subject of worms. There are a wide range of worms that can infect dogs and cats not only in mainland Europe, but increasingly in the UK. Some of these worms are more important than others due to prevalence, their pathogenicity for the host and their zoonotic potential. This guideline aims to provide an overview of these worms, their significance and, importantly, suggests rational control measures for the most important species. We've looked closely at methods of preventing or controlling infection in the animal, prevention of transmission via environmental contamination to other animals and humans, and prevention of human infection. Our aim is that this guideline policy is adopted in every veterinary practice throughout Europe."
Ringworm control in dogs and cats forms the basis of the second guideline policy. "The presence of dermatophytosis is influenced by a number of factors relating to the animal, environmental issues and the crowding of animals. This guideline recommends a management programme for ringworm and what vets should be considering in the treatment, management and control of dermatophyte transmission."
Vets wishing to obtain a downloadable version of the policy papers can do so free of charge from http://www.esccap.org.
Practices wishing to sign up to ESCCAP for regular updates and further information should email: queries@esccap.org.uk.
ESCCAP is supported by Novartis Animal Health, Merial and Bayer HealthCare Animal Health.
IDEXX Laboratories is offering VetNurse members a chance to go to the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials on Thursday 11th September 2008.
Your day will comprise a full one day entry ticket for one person from your practice, including a course walk with Major Richard Waygood, Riding Master of the Household Cavalry, in the morning. Your day is sponsored by IDEXX Laboratories who will also host your course walk.
Entry is simple, you need to just answer the question below and the first 40 correct answers will receive a day's pass to the Blenheim Palace International Horse Trials!
IDEXX Laboratories supports veterinary practices by offering a selection of programmes that help you with best medicine practice for your pet owners. A unique programme to IDEXX In-House users only, links the benefits of speed and point of care diagnosis and IDEXX Reference Laboratory testing to provide your clinic with substantial savings.
QUESTION: Which of the two programmes listed below links both reference and in-house testing and allows you to make these substantial savings? A. IDEXX Advantage Programme B. IDEXX External Quality Assurance Programme Send your answer with your name, practice name, practice address and telephone number to: marketing-uk@idexx.com Terms & Conditions 1. Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules by participating in this competition. 2. The closing time and date for entries is 17:30 15th August 2008. 3. No purchase is necessary for entry to the competition. Only one entry per veterinary practice will be entered into the competition. 4. Entry is open to all veterinary practices registered and operating in the UK on the date of redemption of the prize and employees who enter the competition on behalf of the entrant must be aged 18 years and over on the date of redemption of the prize. All persons connected with the competition are excluded from entering. No third party entries, bulk or multiple entries or entries submitted by agents will be accepted. IDEXX Laboratories reserves the right to verify the eligibility of entrants. 5. The prize cannot be exchanged for cash, or any other goods/services. All prizes are non-transferable. 6. The prize winners will be the first 40 correct answers received. The prize winners will be notified by e-mail or telephone. 7. IDEXX Laboratories reserves the right to substitute a prize of similar value should the specified prize become unavailable for any reason. 8. IDEXX Laboratories reserves the right to feature the winner names and details of the competition in any future promotional or publicity material. 9. IDEXX Laboratories reserve the right to alter, amend or foreclose the competition without prior notice. 10. The prize does not cover any travel or accommodation costs. 11. The decisions of IDEXX Laboratories are final and legally binding on all entrants and no correspondence will be entered into. The competition is governed by the laws of England and Wales and all entrants agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
The RSPCA has released the latest figures showing the extent of cruelty to animals in the UK.
In 2007, they show a:
"These animals are the helpless victims of our affluent, throwaway society," says Tim Wass, Chief Officer of the RSPCA Inspectorate. "They're bought on a whim and discarded when the novelty wears off. Today's must-have item quickly turns into tomorrow's cast-off.
"Worse still," added Tim, "some animals are violently abused because they don't meet their owners' unrealistic expectations: like the cat kicked to death for having muddy paws or the dog strangled with its lead for misbehaving."
But the year RSPCA reports that there has been good news too, with the success of the new Animal Welfare Act already starting to take effect. The new Act - which came into force during 2007 - has made it possible to take action sooner than ever before in situations where there are animal welfare concerns.
The Act is already producing powerful results in its first twelve months. Where animal welfare concerns have prompted the RSPCA to give advice to an animal owner, that advice was followed and the problems resolved 92% of the time, meaning that no further action was necessary.
Tim said: "Even in these early days, the benefits of the new law are clear. Without the new Act, this year's cruelty figures could have been even more horrific."
He added: "Dogs have always borne the brunt of cruelty - from violent outbursts to extreme neglect. But that's what makes this year's horrendous 34% increase even more shocking: it's a massive increase on an already high figure."
It was hoped that last year's leap in convictions for cruelty to horses was an anomaly. But this year's figures show that the higher numbers have been maintained - they increased by 33% between 2005 and 2006 - and then increased by a further 13% to 119 in 2007.
The rise in banning orders is a big improvement on the previous year, which had actually recorded a fall. The new Animal Welfare Act obliges courts to explain their reasons if they don't impose a ban and this may have contributed to the increase. The new requirement seems to have focussed attention on preventative action which can prevent suffering and save lives.
Tim said: "The main reason we take people to court is to prevent cruelty being repeated. It's very reassuring to see the courts taking this seriously by issuing more and more banning orders, which prevent those convicted of cruelty from keeping animals in future."