What's New In The Veterinary Nursing Profession : Small animal

Virbac offers discounted client communication tool

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:55:00 GMT

Virbac is offering its customers a discount on subscriptions to Vet Care Consult, an interactive veterinary medicine and anatomy tool designed to improve client understanding and aid compliance.

Vet Care Consult, designed by MediProductions with advice from veterinary specialists, uses more than 600 3D graphics, animations, videos and other imagery to help veterinary staff explain diagnoses and to discuss therapeutic options.

The veterinary surgeon or nurse selects the target species, then the relevant organ or system. A range of animations and videos are then offered to help explain their recommendation. The tool includes the option to email owners a link to a specific animation or video so that they can discuss the recommended treatment with family later. It can be used on a PC or tablet and is also available as an iPhone app.

A single user subscription normally costs £41 per month or £410 per annum.

Chris Geddes MRCVS, Senior Product Manager at Virbac, said: "Gone are the days of scribbling diagrams on scraps of paper and whiteboards or pointing to a model of a stifle that has seen better days!

"Vet Care Consult harnesses the latest technology to help the veterinary team communicate more effectively with clients, helping them to understand their pets' health and wellness issues. Better communication leads to improved compliance which, in turn, helps to strengthen the vital bond between a practice and its clients."

For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.

New rehab centre for sports and working dogs

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:02:00 GMT

Fitzpatrick Referrals has launched a new sports medicine and rehabilitation centre for dogs at its referral centre in Surrey.

Fitzpatrick Referrals has been running a dedicated rehabilitation centre since the practice opened at Eashing in 2007. It has now extended the offering to include sports medicine clinics and osteoarthritis clinics, creating what it claims is the largest centre of its kind in the country.

Building work has now been completed at the centre and Fitzpatrick Referrals has appointed David Prydie MRCVS, a small animal rehabilitation expert, to head up the centre.

Speaking about the launch of the new service, Noel Fitzpatrick, Managing Director of Fitzpatrick Referrals said: "At Fitzpatrick Referrals, we believe that appropriate rehabilitation is integral to the success of orthopaedic and neuro-surgical intervention and fundamental in promoting pain free functional quality of life.

"Traditionally, the rehabilitation centre has been geared towards treating post-op patients. While the new centre will continue to treat animals which have been referred to Fitzpatrick Referrals for surgical procedures, helping to restore function, reduce pain and speed up the recovery process, we will now offer new dedicated Sports Medicine and Osteoarthritis clinics, of which there are currently only a handful in the UK. This will provide referring practitioners and clients with a new range of options for dealing with sports injuries and the on-going management of Osteoarthritis.

"For the first time, minimally invasive arthroscopic investigation and advanced diagnostic imaging with MRI and CT will be available side-by-side with a team of clinicians who truly understand the unique anatomy, physiology and exercise demands of working and sports dogs and who adopt an integrated approach to achieving maximum mobility for dogs of all ages. We intend that the new centre will create a new standard of integrated care for the active performance or pet dog because we will match function with form and intention with action. Every plan will be tailor made for the individual with sincere attention to the very special environment and demands of the sporting dog. I'm extraordinarily excited about this new horizon."

David Prydie added: "We expect to see cases where there are specific injuries which the canine athlete is prone to and which require specialist knowledge to identify and treat. Our goal is to help the dogs return to their performance event as soon as possible. We will also be offering advice on training regimes for the various activities. The centre will offer a new osteoarthritis clinic, treating osteoarthritis in all ages of dog using a multimodal approach such as weight management, exercise regimes, physiotherapy techniques and use of tools such as the therapeutic laser. There is a wealth of experience already present within the practice and I will be working with Noel and the other surgeons to develop our offering in sports injury management and also with Professor Stuart Carmichael in the development of osteoarthritis management schemes."

The practice will celebrate the launch of the new centre with its first festival for pets, 'Dogfest', built around the theme of the 'Active Dog'. The festival will take place on 10^th and 11^th of August and will feature a number of agility and flyball events, canine sports medicine lectures delivered by world experts, a range of tents and stalls, 'Have a Go' agility sessions, an agility display by former Fitzpatrick patients who have returned to compete in the agility circuit, a 'Meet the Fitzpatrick Heroes' display and a special '999' display by the Sussex Police Dogs on both days.

For information on the new Fitzpatrick Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre services and to discuss referrals, contact the reception team on 01483 423 761.

US researchers developing new canine bone cancer therapy

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 13 May 2013 16:22:00 GMT

The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation has awarded Dr. Bruce Smith, director of the Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, a two-year grant totaling $118,848 to test a new therapy for treating bone cancer in dogs.

According to the University, the research could one day be broadened to include many other kinds of cancer - and possibly cancer in people.

The treatment consists of a virus normally used as a hepatitis vaccine in dogs that has been modified to only make copies of itself inside bone cancer cells. The virus ruptures the cancer cells, releasing thousands of copies of the virus from the tumor cells, killing them.

Dr. Smith said: "By using this approach, we turn the cancer cell into a 'factory' that produces more virus. You could say that we help the cancer cell become an agent of its own death."

Bone cancer, or osteosarcoma, accounts for around 5% of tumours in dogs. More than 90% of dogs with this tumour have had tumour cells migrate into their lungs, creating what are known as micrometastases, at the time of diagnosis.

Dr. Smith said: "This therapy attacks those metastases and will hopefully eliminate them or make them more sensitive to chemotherapy."

The Auburn University Research Initiative in Cancer, or AURIC, was founded in 2012 to accelerate translation of cancer innovation from the laboratory to the clinic. AURIC embodies "One Medicine" - the concept that sees human and animal health as a single field where discoveries in one species advance health in both species.

New video considers how chipping may affect your practice

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 07 May 2013 09:49:00 GMT

Bayer Animal Health, maker of Tracer microchips, has produced a new video in which Emma Milne and Petlog Executive Celia Walsom consider the implications for practices of the change in the law which will make it compulsory for all dogs to be microchipped from April 2016.

The 15-minute video considers various issues, such as:

Whether to start strongly recommending chipping now, so as to avoid a rush when the law changes
What concerns owners might have about the procedure and how you might allay their fears
What if a client refuses to have a pet microchipped? Are you legally obliged to inform anyone?

(Please visit the site to view this media)

Alstoe launches chewable, flavoured spironolactone

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 02 May 2013 08:03:00 GMT

Alstoe Ltd has launched Tempora, a chewable, flavoured, spironolactone tablet for dogs, indicated for the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) arising from mitral valve disease.

Alstoe says Tempora's flavouring technology, tablet shape and two and four way break tablets facilitate ease of use and should improve compliance. The company also highlights the affordability of the new product, which can be used alone or in conjunction with standard therapies.

According to Alstoe, it is estimated that in 75% of dogs with CHF, degenerative mitral valve disease is the underlying cause. The company says spironolactone shows clear benefits in treating mxyomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) in dogs: acting as an aldosterone receptor antagonist it counteracts the negative consequences of aldosterone production such as myocardial fibrosis and myocardial and vascular remodelling.

To support the new product, Alstoe has designed a Sleep Respiratory Rate (SRR) chart to assist veterinary professionals with ongoing monitoring of their canine patients condition and response to treatment. The chart is available as a printable download or in pads. The company is also offering lunchtime practice seminars.

Tempora is available as 10mg, 50mg and 100mg tablets.

For further information, contact Alstoe Animal Health on 01347 878606, or via e-mail: adelaideellerington@alstoe.co.uk, or visit www.alstoe.co.uk

Petplan announces Animal Charity Award finalists

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 17:04:00 GMT

Petplan has announced the finalists for the inaugural Petplan and Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards.

The awards have been set up by Petplan to celebrate the outstanding work of animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK.

The finalists for each of the categories are:

Animal Charity Team of the Year

Caring for Cats Yorkshire & Humber, York
Fairly Beloved Rabbit Care, Glasgow
Greyhound Rescue West of England, Somerset (pictured above right)

Animal Charity Volunteer of the Year

Alan Shields, Hope Rescue, South Glamorgan
David & Sandy Bailey, Holly Hedge Animal Sanctuary, Bristol
Marguerite Cain, National Animal Welfare Trust, Clacton

Animal Charity Employee of the Year

Emma Darch & Sam Gratton, National Animal Welfare Trust, Somerset
Kate Wickins, Wood Green Animal Shelter, London
Sarah Connolly, Paws Animal Rescue, County Tipperary

Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "Animal wellbeing is central to all we do at Petplan. We work with over 1,500 animal charities and give over £2million to assist them every year. The Petplan and ADCH Animal Charity Awards is another way for us to support and recognise the teams and individuals at charities dedicated to improving the lives of animals. We're delighted that these new awards have got off to a fantastic start with over 3,400 nominations from adopters, supporters, charity staff and volunteers."

Winners will be announced on the 2nd May in an awards ceremony in Stratford-upon-Avon. For further information go to www.petplan.co.uk/charityawards

Bayer launches new Drontal campaign

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:20:00 GMT

Bayer Animal Health has announced the launch of a new campaign which plays on our anthropomorphic nature to drive owners into practice for worming.

As part of the campaign, the company has enrolled the behaviour specialist and author Sarah Whitehead to oversee a video analysis of the behavioural interaction between a small number of dogs and their owners. The results will be used to make an educational film for pet owners which helps them better understand their pet's emotions and behaviour.

Tracey Dawson, Group Product Manager at Bayer Animal Health said: "We want owners to really understand the importance of health on their dog's happiness and behaviour, whilst reminding them to worm their pet at least four times a year. Our ground breaking research will make owners feel like real-life Dr Doolittle, as they will better understand their pet's emotions and actions, highlighting the importance of keeping their dogs healthy, happy and worm-free."

In order to prompt owners to worm their dog more frequently, Bayer has also launched a free SMS/email worming reminder service available at www.drontal.com. In addition, there'll be a new CPD section for SQPs on the website in the summer..

Bayer is also developing 'Worm Reminder' toolkits for veterinary practices, including a press release template, infographics, and video report of the research findings to further promote the importance of worming frequently. For more information, talk to your Bayer representative.

Invicta launches cryoanalgesic for minor procedures

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 11:27:00 GMT

Invicta Animal Health has launched EthyCalm Spray, a cryoanalgesic for minor procedures.

The active ingredient, ethyl chloride, acts as a local analgesic (pain relief) when sprayed or wiped onto the skin.

According to the company, the product is effective in a few seconds and works for a few minutes until the skin warms up again. This makes it suitable for such things as venepuncture, tick removal or placing of PVC's, where it should help reduce stress for the patient and the practitioner.

Ethycalm is presented in a 50ml vial which provides up to 100 applications.

Rob Watkins, Managing Director of Invicta, said: "We are delighted to launch EthyCalm. During theatre training sessions for our product, ChloraPrep, we realised that the busy nurse doesn't have time to use traditional analgesia methods such as creams. They needed something instant yet cost-effective. Seeing the widespread use of ethyl chloride in places like Great Ormond Street Hospital, it was obvious that this product needed to be made available to veterinary practices".

For further information see www.invictavet.com or phone 01403 791313

New anti-epileptic from Boehringer

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:20:00 GMT

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched Pexion (imepitoin) a novel treatment for canine idiopathic epilepsy.

Canine epilepsy can affect up to 5% of dogs⁶. In most dogs diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy no underlying cause for the seizures can be found. While the condition can affect any dog, it is more common in young (one to five year old), purebred dogs such as Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Boxers, Vizlas, Beagles, English Springer Spaniels, Irish Setters, Poodles and Dachshunds.

Boehringer says Pexion has a highly targeted mode of action^1-3 to suppress a dog's seizures. It starts to work within a few hours and reaches steady state within three days^4,5. Boehringer claims this will make it easier to stabilise epileptic patients. It also says there is no evidence of hepatotoxicity or liver-associated enzyme elevation, so repeated blood tests for liver enzymes or therapeutic levels are no longer required.^4,5

Pexion is available in 100 mg and 400 mg tablets. The tablets are white, scored and divisible in half. Both tablet strengths are available in 100 tablet packs from veterinary wholesalers.

Jemima Mead, brand manager at Boehringer said: "Pexion is a ground-breaking new product which gives vets a new first-line treatment option for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy, improving the lives of newly diagnosed epileptic dogs and their owners by reducing the number of seizures and their impact on the patient's life".

To support the launch of the new product, Boehringer hosted an epilepsy webinar presented by neurologist Dr Holger Volk DVM PhD DipECVN FHEA MRCVS, recognised RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Neurology. The webinar is now available on demand at www.bi-academy.co.uk.

For further information on Pexion visit www.pexion.co.uk, contact your local Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager or telephone +44 (0)1344 746959.

References

Löscher W et al. Epilepsia 2004; 45: 1228-1239
Rieck S et al. Vet J 2006; 172: 86-95
Rostock A et al. Drugs Fut. 1998; 23: 253-255
Pexion^® Summary of Product Characteristics, 2013
European Public Assessment Report (EPAR): PEXION (imepitoin). London: European Medicines Agency; 2013 Available at www.ema.europa.eu
Monteiro R. et al. J Small Anim Pract 2012; 53: 526-530

Cat owners happy to pill pets

Arlo Guthrie — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 07:00:00 GMT

Owners of hyperthyroid cats say they would rather veterinary surgeons prescribed the appropriate dosage for their pets than have an easy way to administer the medicine, according to new research carried out by feline expert Dr Sarah Caney BVSc PhD DSAM (Feline) MRCVS.

111 cat owners were questioned for the research, which was supported by Dechra Veterinary Products and has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.

Dechra says the results of the study challenge long-held perceptions, and should encourage a reappraisal of the approach to oral anti-thyroid medication:

89% of cat owners agreed with the statement that it 'was more important to me that the vet prescribes the most appropriate dose for my cat than that they provide me with an easy method of administering the medicine.'

Dr Caney said: "The survey has shown that cat owners are not a barrier to prescribing twice daily medication. Their overwhelming drive is to provide the best level of care that they can.

"From an owner perspective, the ideal anti-thyroid medication offers low doses and a variety of dosing strategies to ensure that each individual cat receives the dose they need and no more."

The findings revealed that 'once daily treatment' was not ranked as the most important statement on dosing by any of the owners and that only 21% of owners who had experienced oral dosing of their cat described the process as either 'tricky' or 'very difficult'.

Craig Sankey, Brand Manager for Felimazole at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "We are very pleased to have supported such an important piece of independent research relating to feline hyperthyroidism which challenges some of the assumptions made about owner needs.

"Ease of administering the medicine is not the overwhelming issue for owners of cats with hyperthyroidism - administering the correct dose is. In fact, 79 % of cat owners questioned were happy to give pills twice a day if necessary."

To see the latest research in full, please visit www.dechra.co.uk/hyperthyroidism

WSAVA launches Nutrition Toolkit for veterinary professionals

Arlo Guthrie — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 08:37:00 GMT

The WSAVA's Global Nutrition Committee (GNC) has launched a Nutrition Toolkit for veterinary professionals.

The non-branded toolkit contains the following materials:

A document outlining the calorie requirements for healthy dogs
A document outlining the calorie requirements for healthy cats
Nutritional assessment checklists (both quick and extended versions) which can be completed by the veterinary healthcare team and pet owner
An advice sheet for owners searching for nutritional information on dogs and cats online
An advice sheet for owners on selecting the right food for their dog or cat
A hospitalized patient feeding guide
A nutrition monitoring chart for hospitalized dogs and cats
A body condition score chart

The toolkit is available for download at http://wsava.org/nutrition-toolkit.

Based on its importance to overall health, the WSAVA is campaigning to have a nutritional assessment confirmed as the fifth vital assessment in a standard physical examination and for the veterinary healthcare team to provide nutritional recommendations for each animal as an integral component of patient care.

The launch of the Nutrition Toolkit follows on from the Global Nutrition Committee's first initiative, the creation of a set of Nutrition Guidelines in 2011. These were aimed at helping veterinary professionals and pet owners ensure that pets are fed according to an optimal and individually tailored nutrition plan. According to WSAVA, they have been successful, securing endorsements from 19 veterinary organizations in 16 countries. They have been translated into ten languages and are available for download at http://www.wsava.org/guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines.

GNC Co-Chair Dr Marge Chandler said: "Research shows that more than 90% of pet owners would like nutritional advice but fewer than 15% feel they receive it. In some parts of the world, pet malnutrition remains a major challenge, while in many other countries, pet obesity is an increasing problem. In addition, there is confusion about optimal nutrition because there is now so much conflicting and inaccurate information available online.

Our Nutrition Toolkit is designed to help the veterinary healthcare team address nutrition at every patient visit and to advance the central role of the veterinary healthcare team as the expert source of nutrition information."

Ceva launches palatable marbofloxacin

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:22:00 GMT

Ceva Animal Health has launched Marboxidin chewable tablets for dogs and cats for the treatment of micro-organisms susceptible to marbofloxacin, including skin and soft tissue infections (in cats and dogs), respiratory tract infections (in dogs and cats) and urinary tract infections (in dogs).

Containing marbofloxacin as its active ingredient, Marboxidin has a taste-masking lipid coating to ensure that its bitterness is not detected. In palatability trials over 90% of dogs and 80% of cats voluntarily consumed Marboxidinchewable tablets from the hand or in food¹. Ceva says that Marboxidin is also very cost-effective, with an ongoing discount using the new CevaSave rebate scheme.

Marboxidin chewable tablets are available in three tablet sizes (5mg, 20mg and 80mg).

For further details, contact your Ceva Territory Manager or telephone the customer support team on (01494) 781510.

References

Palatability study number LAV028/2012 in Marboxidin MA file

Virbac launches NSAID for dogs and horses

Arlo Guthrie — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:45:00 GMT

Virbac has launched Inflacam, a meloxicam-based NSAID for the alleviation of pain in both acute and chronic musculo-skeletal disorders in dogs and horses.

Inflacam is presented both as an oral suspension and as a chewable tablet for dogs. The suspension is available in 200ml, 100ml, 42ml and 15ml sizes with a measuring syringe provided. The tablets come in two sizes - 1 mg and 2.5 mg - and are available in packs of 100. It is available for horses as an oral suspension.

Virbac Product Manager Chris Geddes MRCVS, said: "Virbac is well known for launching innovative products in areas such as dermatology and reproduction but we also aim to support practices by offering tried and trusted practice 'standards' for everyday use. Inflacam fits this brief well - meloxicam is the most commonly-used NSAID in dogs and we are delighted to add it to our range."

For more information contact your territory manager or call Virbac on 01359 243 243.

Novartis takes on Cosequin

Arlo Guthrie — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 16:22:00 GMT

Novartis Animal Health has announced that it has assumed marketing responsibilities for the joint health supplement Cosequin in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Cosequin, which contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, is available in a range of presentations for dogs, cats, and horses.

The product, which was previously marketed by MSD, is the leading joint health supplement among veterinary surgeons in the US and Europe.

Novartis says Cosequin is an important addition to its Orthopaedic Health Category, which in 2009 introduced Onsior (robenacoxib), the first tissue-selective pain relief for cats and dogs.

Gaynor Hillier, General Manager UK & Ireland Novartis Animal Health said: "Our strategic intent is to expand our presence in orthopaedic health to address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in a more comprehensive manner. Cosequin represents an important step toward achieving this objective".

Cosequin is available from Novartis Animal Health in the United Kingdom and Ireland, from licensed veterinary wholesalers. For more information on Cosequin, contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager.

8th May is Vet Cat Watch Day

Arlo Guthrie — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 08:02:00 GMT

Jon Bowen, animal behaviour consultant at the Royal Veterinary College and Sureflap have declared 8th May 'Vet Cat Watch Day', and are asking the profession to record the reason why each cat seen that day is brought into the practice.

Jon explained: "There are more than 10 million pet cats in the UK, however there is little information about the prevalence of injuries, disease, cat fights and road traffic accidents on a national scale".

The absence of data became apparent when findings from research on over 1,000 cats - conducted as part of the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign, supported by SureFlap and Your Cat magazine - revealed cats that had suffered minor injuries from fights were more likely to develop other health issues, such as hair loss and eye infections.

Judith Bank from SureFlap said: "People often purchase a microchip-operated cat flap to help their pet to feel secure. Owners tell us that their pet is spraying in the house or has been losing fur and this motivated us to support research to look deeper into the problems that pet owners might be having. We soon realised that objective data from vets was not available to qualify the findings and this is where the idea of 'Vet Cat Watch Day' emerged."

Jon said: "The aim of Vet Cat Watch Day is to take a snap-shot of cats' health from veterinary practices across the nation, on one day. The results will be compiled alongside information from cat owners gained in 'Cat Watch Day' a few days earlier.

A report detailing preliminary findings from the Neighbourhood Cat Campaign is available from the SureFlap website. When complete the results will be used to help provide vets with an insight into the lives of domestic cats so they are better equipped to understand behavioural issues.

For more information on Vet Cat Watch Day please visit the SureFlap website The site hosts a PDF to print out and help record the feline cases that come through practice doors on the 8th May, which can be downloaded from www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch_info. At the end of the day, visit www.sureflap.co.uk/vetwatch to upload your data to the online survey.