The study, titled “The utility of combined urine dipstick analysis and specific gravity measurement to determine feline proteinuria”, assessed the utility of the urine dipstick alone and combined with the urine-specific gravity (USG) for detecting proteinuria in cats.
For the study, the clinical records of cats presenting to a referral hospital between January 2011 and January 2017 were reviewed retrospectively.
To be eligible for inclusion, feline urine samples had to have undergone a complete urinalysis including dipstick evaluation, USG and urine protein-to-creatinine (UPC) measurement.
A total of 121 urine samples were included and diagnostic agreement and test accuracy were calculated for the dipstick test alone and in combination with the USG, using different cut-off values for proteinuria. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also calculated.
Jorge Pérez-Accino, corresponding author for the paper, said: “The diagnostic agreement between the urine dipstick and UPC ratio was poor and did not improve if the USG was considered together with the dipstick.
"A dipstick result of equal or greater than “Trace” (0.1-0.3g/L) had a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 31% to detect proteinuria.
"With regards the ROC curves, the area under the curve (AUC) of the urine dipstick alone was poor (0.57). When combined with the USG results, this improved to fair (0.78) but the specificity and negative predictive value (NPV) were still low.”
Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of JSAP said: “These findings indicate that clinicians should not rely on the results of the urine dipstick test in combination with USG in cats for detecting proteinuria. Instead other quantitative methods, such as UPC ratio, should always be performed to detect proteinuria in cats.”
The full article can be found in the September issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice which is free for BSAVA members. It can also be read online here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13184
The BSAVA has put together a collection of resources relating to urinalysis and proteinuria, available here: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/urinalysis--160
Reference
Interestingly, the survey of 2000 people found that men were 11% more likely than women to change their veterinary surgery if they didn't like the look of the masks. There were also geographical variations in the levels of concern about masks, with Londoners (48%) and people from the South West (46%), the North East (41%) and the West Midlands (41%) being most concerned.
Still, there is some consolation for any practice that is using sub standard masks: 78% of UK adults wouldn’t know how to tell if a face mask was fake.
However, 26% of respondents said they would ask their vet to prove their medical grade face mask meets the certified standard and 22% of pet owners said they would expect their vet to wear a medical grade face mask during routine checkups for the foreseeable future.
James Kinsella, Director at Bluetree Group, said: “During such an unprecedented time, it’s no surprise that people are worried about the use of face masks. It is clear that the public has strong feelings about the quality of face masks in practices, with a third of pet owners saying they are worried about the standard of their vet’s face mask. It’s encouraging to see that where expectations are not met, people will seek an alternative.
"The majority of people admit they would not be able to identify a fake face mask, however it is encouraging that a third of those we spoke to would have the confidence to take action and change their vet if they didn’t think their face mask was up to standard."
For more information on Bluetree Group’s face masks, visit: https://bluetreemaskbox.co.uk.
Specifically, remote assessments will make sure that practices are continuing to meet Veterinary Medicines Regulations, the Core Standards of the PSS and other key standards relating to the practice's accreditation type and level.
Mandisa Greene, RCVS President and Chair of the Practice Standards Group, said: “We have introduced these remote assessments as a means of being able to quality assure veterinary practices that are either in the Scheme or who wish to join it, while still making sure that public health is safeguarded and that the burden our face-to-face assessments may place on practices is reduced.
"All our Practice Standards Scheme Assessors will be trained in carrying out remote assessments, and practices that are due an assessment will be given the full details of how it will work in advance, just like if a physical assessment of the premises were taking place.
"In the immediate-term we will be prioritising those practices that were due assessment visits in March, April and May this year which were cancelled due to the nationwide lockdown and they are currently being contacted to make arrangements. We will then start a rolling programme of visits for the other delayed assessments over the next few months. We will aim to give all practices at least one month’s notice before a visit takes place."
In order to help veterinary teams at RCVS-accredited practices understand the changes and its implications, the RCVS has produced a list of anticipated FAQs containing the details of how remote assessments will work. These can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/practice-standards-scheme/remote-assessments.
Those with any additional enquiries should contact the RCVS Practice Standards Team on: pss@rcvs.org.uk.
The course helps veterinary practices manage their dispensaries with up-to-date information on medicines regulations. It covers the main aspects of dispensing including an overview and update on legislation, using the cascade and the storing and disposal of medicines. There will also be sessions covering controlled drugs, dispensing mishaps and what to expect from an inspection.
Tutors Pam Mosedale, Donal Murphy, Michael Stanford, Mike Jessop and John Millward will deliver lectures via webinars throughout the day, which ends with a live streamed interactive Q+A session.
The course is suitable for vets, vet nurses and other staff who deal with the dispensing of medicines and the pharmacy.
Attendees will have access to supporting resources for approximately two weeks after the course, including electronic course notes and lectures from the day and an active discussion forum.
The Association says course meets the RCVS practice standards veterinary hospital dispensing course requirements and is ideal for the new PSS Medicines Award CPD requirement.
It is also AMTRA accredited and carries 43 AMTRA CPD points.
Attendance for the day is compulsory and an attendance register will be taken for the Live Q&A session.
Course organiser Pam Mosedale said: “We are very excited to be able to deliver the BSAVA Dispensing Course online and still allow for interaction between speakers and delegates in the live session. With Practice Standards and VMD visits restarting, it is fantastic that we are still able to support practices in these difficult times by ensuring they are complying with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.”
The course costs £150.00 (incl. VAT) for BSAVA members and £225.00 (incl. VAT) for non-members. To book visit https://www.bsava.com/Education/CPD/Event-Detail/dateId/2099
The Association says continuing uncertainty over the pandemic was the driving force behind the decision and it feels that a virtual Congress is the best option in 2021. The event will be held from Thursday 25th – Saturday 27th March.
Amanda Stranack, Chief Executive of the BSAVA, said: “A rich programme of content that makes full use of technology means attendees can still expect an event that brings together the veterinary professions for world-class CPD and the opportunity to network with delegates.
"Making this decision now means we can be sure there will be a safe and dedicated space for all our visitors, speakers, sponsors and exhibitors."
Manchester Central, the original venue for the 2021 Congress, is currently contracted as a Nightingale Hospital and that contract doesn’t conclude until 1st March 2021.
Amanda said: "While no one has a crystal ball, there is the possibility cases could increase over the winter and we cannot be certain the venue will be available to host our annual event.
"In order to ensure that delegates and exhibitors will have an excellent experience, moving Congress online is the most sensible option, without the need to worry about travel restrictions, or guidance that might change on a weekly basis.
"The positive is that without the need to travel Congress becomes accessible to a wider audience, with scope for more practitioners to attend more sessions. There’s a level of flexibility and convenience that’s just not possible with a physical event."
The BSAVA has partnered with a leading international provider of large-scale virtual conferences, tradeshows and exhibitions, with interactive elements facilitating one-to-one and group conversations.
The planned programme for 2021’s inaugural Manchester event is currently being repurposed for the virtual format, with a significant focus on ensuring the experience is as interactive as possible for each delegate.
Amanda said: “While we are deeply disappointed that we won’t, as a sector, be able to come together in person, we have made significant educational and financial investments in the online platform, to give us the tools to take the work we’ve been doing to deliver online CPD to the profession to a different level. We intend to make the most of that opportunity and provide a personalised experience, satisfy scientific curiosity and broaden horizons for all attendees.” Ian Ramsey, President of the BSAVA continued: “After months of lockdown, like many of our delegates, I was looking forward to meeting friends at the 2021 Congress at Manchester. Sadly, this is not to be, however BSAVA is going to be investing heavily in this project and I will be excited to welcome colleagues from the widest possible audience to what I think will be the best virtual small animal veterinary conference in the world. Of course, we are still also planning for a slow return to face- to-face events in the future when it is safe to do so, and more details will follow when there is greater clarity and confidence in physical events."
Veterinary Insights gets its data from over 400 practices using Vet Viewer, its benchmarking software which practices use to monitor business metrics.
Apparently, the figures show that while overall turnover has bounced back relatively robustly, sales in certain areas are still lagging, reflecting changed routines in the ‘new normal’. For example, with many practices requesting clients wait in the car park, there has been a sustained drop in the sale of products typically sold in the waiting room, with sales of pet food falling by 44% during early lockdown, and still down by 25% compared with February’s figures.
The company says there are also significant business stresses that may not be captured in current revenue data.
Alexander Arpino, Managing Director of Veterinary Insights, said: “Anecdotally, we’re hearing that vets are increasingly hard-pressed for time, with logistical difficulties arising from social distancing. Consults are taking longer, and there’s an additional headache for receptionists as payments have to be collected afterwards over the phone. While there are some quick fixes, for example using a telemedicine app such as LinkyVet that sets payment expectations up front, there is no doubt that it’s difficult to make all this extra time investment sustainable in the long run.”
Paradoxically, while consults may be taking up more of vets’ time, some clients feel that they are getting less value for money as there is little face-to-face interaction with the vet. Alexander added: "One of the biggest challenges in the current environment is preserving and fostering those positive relationships with clients that are the cornerstone of companion animal practice.
"Ultimately, we want to bring clients back into the consult room, but only as and when it’s safe to do so. Otherwise, the question is: How can we make adjustments to maintain a high level of client satisfaction, without putting undue stress on vets?"
Veterinary Insights says its software can help practices navigate these challenges by presenting up to 24 months of historical data extracted from practice management systems, enabling businesses to draw comparisons with past performance.
For more information, visit www.vetviewer.co.uk.
The new service is led by Virginia Crespo DVM PGDip MSc MRCVS and Alex Hamilton BA VetMB MRCVS, pictured right.
Virginia qualified in 2012 from the Autonomous University of Barcelona, where she also served a rotating internship before completing an internship in neurology and neurosurgery at the Animal Health Trust in 2016. She finished a three-year residency in neurology and neurosurgery at Langford Veterinary Services in July, alongside attaining a Master’s of Science degree with Bristol University.
Alex graduated from Cambridge University in 2005 and after five years working in both mixed and emergency and critical care practice, he completed a surgical internship at the Animal Referral Hospital, Sydney, in 2012. He then completed a European accredited neurology residency at Melbourne University and Willows Veterinary Centre, in Solihull, and has since worked in Australia and the UK as a neurologist.
Clinical director Duncan Barnes said: “We’re delighted to welcome Virginia and Alex to Eastcott to lead this new service.
"They will provide in-depth consultations and neurological assessments alongside a variety of advanced diagnostic procedures to identify the problem and prepare an appropriate treatment plan.
"Virginia and Alex will have access to Eastcott’s new 1.5T MRI scanner and the clinic’s CT scanner, as well as electromyography, to assess the function of the nerves and muscles, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis.
"They will also work closely with another new recruit, Nicholas Taylor, who has joined us as referral radiographer, and other specialists across the hospital as part of a holistic approach to patient care."
For more information visit www.eastcottreferrals.co.uk.
The Vital Support launch includes a new Feline Renal Multipack to support cats with chronic kidney disease and loss of appetite. The multipack contains four wet pouches with different aromatic profiles to help stimulate decreased appetite and deliver optimum food acceptance and compliance. Multipacks will be available from October 2020.
Royal Canin has also introduced new Early Renal diets to help support the kidneys at early stages of renal insufficiency, and will be discontinuing its Feline VCN Senior Consult Stage 2 diets.
The company is also introducing two new diets for small dogs: Renal Small Dogs to support small breed dogs in the more advanced stages of chronic renal insufficiency, and Mobility C2P+ Small Dogs, formulated to support healthy joint function.
Other changes include a switch to 100% sustainably sourced salmon in its renal wet pouches, and to vegetable sources of glucosamine, instead of shellfish.
For more information, visit: https://vetportal.royalcanin.co.uk, speak to a member of the veterinary pillar team or contact the Nutritional Helpline.
The campaign comprises of a series of live interviews, articles and surveys aimed at exploring the impact of breast cancer, menopause, infertility and baby loss women, and men, and how the veterinary profession can better support people having to cope with these issues in the workplace.
The campaign includes free access articles and live online sessions with VetYourBreasts campaign organiser, veterinary surgeon Anna Beber, as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month; VetMINDS co-founder, vet Nat Scroggie, on 12th October during Baby Loss Awareness Week; Dr Karen Morton, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist on World Menopause Day 18th October; and SPVS Senior Vice President, Catriona Curtis, talking about her personal experiences with infertility on 2nd November during National Fertility Week.
A survey on the impact of the menopause, particularly on working life, is being run in partnership with SPVS in the run up to World Menopause Day. The survey seeks to gain a broad understanding of both awareness and experience across the profession, and responses are encouraged from all ages and genders, whether personally affected or not. The survey can be accessed here until 15th October: https://bit.ly/2FVXIkv
SPVS President, Anna Judson, said: "Having experienced the effects of the menopause working as a practice owner, I wish I had known more about the impact and that I was not alone in how I was feeling. There is a growing appetite to tackle these issues and we want to hear from anyone affected by the menopause, in order to put the right support mechanisms in place. We're proud to sponsor the menopause webinar and partner with Veterinary Woman on raising awareness about health issues, which are often brushed under the carpet."
Liz Barton, editor of Veterinary Woman, said: "I have been incredibly moved to see the deep empathy and encouragement amongst veterinary colleagues beginning to open up about the impact of health challenges, particularly at work. When I realised the campaigns in October were topics we need to talk about more as a profession, it seemed right to use this as a platform to tackle some of the hidden, emotive health challenges we bear throughout our life and work. We are looking for partners to help us develop the conversations and practical assistance for individuals and practices, to better support those who are silently living with these burdens."
Companies and organisations wishing to support the work should contact liz@veterinarywoman.co.uk. Individuals can register for updates about how to access the sessions by joining the Veterinary Woman email list for updates (www.veterinarywoman.co.uk), or following Veterinary Woman on social media.
Training topics the company is covering include: general wound care products, debridement, exudate management and post-operative wound protection.
Essity says it can tailor the training to suit your needs, and if you book a session, it'll send you a free advanced wound care sample pack containing items relating to your specific training.
Charlotte Wood, the Key Account Manager Veterinary Channel at Essity said: "We're excited to be offering virtual meetings to veterinary practices. Why not book a meeting now to find out more about our Advanced Wound Care including new Cutimed Debriclean!"
To book a meeting, email your name, practice details and training request to: Concierge.Service@essity.com
Katie won the trophy for her research and presentation on quantifying and monitoring practice cleanliness.
The runner up, who won £500, was Glasgow University veterinary student, Alysia Empert-Gallegos for her research into owner perspectives on feeding raw diets to dogs.
Katie, who is Deputy Head Veterinary Nurse at Chipping Norton Veterinary Hospital, said: "I am very grateful to MSD Animal Health for awarding me the research bursary and prize.
"Cleanliness is such an important subject area for the veterinary field and I'm pleased that I can hopefully inspire others to monitor it effectively; enabling us to continually improve our standards across the industry.
"I am excited to be the first Veterinary Nurse to take part and win, and hope that I can encourage other nurses to take an interest in research and help improve standards."
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor at MSD Animal Health, said: "It was wonderful that this year everyone could present, no matter where they are working in the world, and despite the event having to be virtual this year, there was a huge amount of energy in the 'room', that shone through from the enthusiasm of the presenters. Their love of their work and commitment to research was apparent to everyone on the judging panel. It was a great day all round and we're excited and delighted to have awarded the top prize to our first veterinary nurse and Katie's extremely valuable and practical work on monitoring clinical hygiene."
Photo: Katie Whalley with Michelle Townley
Douxo Care Auricular Lotion can be used for routine ear cleaning and removal of ear wax and as an ear cleaner prior to treatment in order to clean the ear canal of debris. Ceva says it is fast drying and pleasant to use and the lotion can also be adapted for the routine cleaning of skin folds and around the eyes.
Andrew Fullerton BVSc (Hons) MRCVS, Douxo product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Following requests from dermatologists to launch this product in the UK, we are very excited to add Douxo Care Auricular Lotion to the UK Douxo range. It will provide a gentle yet effective and soothing option for dogs and cats needing regular ear cleaning and all under the Douxo brand we know and love.”
To support the launch of Douxo Care Auricular Lotion, the company is running a buy one, get one free offer (used once and up to a maximum of five units ie pay for five and receive five free of charge). For information on the offer, which runs until 31 October, contact cevauk@ceva.com, use the offer QR code or call 01494 781510 to request an order form or to process an order.
For more information, contact cevauk@ceva.com, call 01494 781510 or visit www.douxo.com/uk.
The awards are to recognise the work carried out by veterinary professionals.
Last year Petplan had a remarkable 37,000 nominations, for the five award categories: Practice of the Year, Vet of the Year, Vet Nurse of the Year, Practice Manager of the Year and Practice Support Staff of the Year.
James Barnes, head of sales & partnerships at Petplan, said: “For over two decades we’ve been recognising the brilliant work of the UK’s veterinary professionals. Every year the quality of entries is incredibly high but we know that during 2020 the profession really went the extra mile to take care of the nation’s pets so we expect the 2021 awards to be extra special.
To nominate a colleague or your practice, visit: https://www.petplanvet.co.uk/veterinary-practice-insurance/veterinary-awards before nominations close on 18th January 2021.
In mid-September, the Association wrote to the RCVS expressing concern about the August extension to the temporary guidance.
In the latest update from the RCVS, the temporary measure has now been extended to 31 October but the flowchart and guidance have been updated to add some additional steps before a POM-V product can be prescribed remotely.
The BVA says that while it supported the original decision in March as a pragmatic solution and direct response to government restrictions surrounding Covid-19, it is now questioning the ongoing need for such a relaxation in the rules.
In the letter to the RCVS, the BVA also asked for a timeframe for the publication of the results of the RCVS survey of practices’ experiences of remote consulting and prescribing. The Association's own under care working group, chaired by Nigel Gibbens, has been developing a position to respond to the RCVS review.
BVA President James Russell (pictured right) said: "We understand that allowing remote prescription of POM-Vs was a necessary measure at the height of the lockdown, as practices struggled to assess patients in person.
"However, the veterinary professions have done a fantastic job in adapting to the restrictions and are now able to work safely and see patients.
"Whilst we recognise the RCVS has provided additional guidance for the remote prescribing of POM-V, we cannot currently see any reason why a new client would be unable to access in-person veterinary care in the first instance and we are asking RCVS Council to reconsider this measure when it meets in Oct.
"It makes sense to continue allowing vets to remotely prescribe for existing patients, for example if an owner is shielding, but we feel it is no longer appropriate to be remotely prescribing to animals that have never been physically examined by the vet.
“The question of whether we should be able to remotely prescribe POM-V products without first seeing an animal is an important and live debate, and we welcome the resumption of the College’s review. But the longer that temporary measures are in place, the greater the expectation from animal owners that they will always be in place, and the harder it will be to have the discussion about the best way forward.
“As a profession, we are rightly concerned about antimicrobial resistance and we pride ourselves on the responsible use of medicines. Continually extending the temporary measures without a full analysis would risk undermining our position.”
RCVS Council had introduced temporary guidance allowing the remote prescription of drugs for animals not under care back in March, to ensure that animal health and welfare could be maintained during lockdown without risking the health of veterinary teams or their clients.
Since then, the College has twice extended this guidance, because of the ongoing situation.
However the College says it now recognises that many practices are returning more to 'business as usual' and that the guidance and associated flowchart should be updated according.
Consequently, before deciding to prescribe POM-Vs remotely, the updated guidance now requires veterinary surgeons to first consider whether the animal is already under their care; or, if not, whether it is possible to physically examine the animal in order to bring the animal under their care. If the answer to both questions is ‘no’, POM-Vs may still be prescribed remotely providing the guidelines set out in the College’s coronavirus advice hub are adhered to.
Surprisingly, the College says that its surveys of the profession have thus far identified no immediate safety concerns around remote prescribing.
RCVS President Dr Mandisa Greene, who chairs the Taskforce, said: “The reason for maintaining the possibility of remote prescribing without a physical examination was that we recognised that the current situation is unpredictable, and while the ability for the public to visit practices in person has improved over the last few months, we felt that situations might still arise where that would not be possible, and where access to remote prescribing would be necessary. These could include further local lockdowns, ongoing quarantine arrangements, and the remaining fact that some members of both the veterinary team and the public continue to shield.
“It remains our intention that this guidance will continue to be a temporary measure and may be subject to further extensions or updates given the uncertain nature of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
RCVS Council will review the position on 8 October, with any changes being effective by 1 November at the earliest.
Meanwhile, the RCVS review of ‘under care’ and out-of-hours emergency cover has now resumed, starting with a number of virtual focus groups and consultation with stakeholders within the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions.
The findings from these focus group discussions will then inform a wider survey to be sent to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses in early 2021, along with stakeholder organisations and the animal-owning public. Remote prescribing will continue to form a part of this review.
For the study, which was conducted in 2018 and published this year in Medical and Veterinary Entomology1, practices from around the UK sent in combings from 812 cats and 662 dogs for analysis.
28% of the cats and 14% of the dogs were found to be carrying fleas, with cats from central Wales and the Welsh Borders being more than twice as likely to have fleas than elsewhere in the country. Likewise, dogs from North Wales, the North Wales borders, South Wales and South West England were between 3 and 4.5 times as likely to have fleas as elsewhere.
Of the cats treated with fipronil, 62% (n=57) were still found to be carrying fleas despite treatment. Of the dogs, 44% (n=49) of those treated with fipronil were still carrying fleas. By contrast, 4.1% of cats and 1.4% of dogs treated with fluralaner (Bravecto) were found to have fleas (the lowest of any treatment).
Professor Richard Wall, Veterinary Entomologist at the University of Bristol said: "There is a clear need for greater owner education about the importance of flea treatment and a better understanding of the efficacy of different flea and tick prevention products.
"It is critical for vets to not only recommend the best product for a pet’s needs but to also give a better understanding of the effectiveness and correct application of the different treatments."
Photo: Professor Richard Wall, University of Bristol
Thiamacare contains 10 mg/ml thiamazole, which is double the concentration of Thyronorm, for a lower dose volume.
Animalcare highlights research which shows that 87.4% of owners prefer liquid medications for their cat1, and that cats find liquid presentations more palatable2.
James Beaumont from Animalcare said: "With the lowest dose volume available, we believe Thiamacare will make the medical management of this condition easier through improved cat acceptance and better owner compliance."
Thiamacare's dosing syringe is marked with a single scale in 1.25 mg increments to facilitate precise dosing in response to total T4 measurement values. The scale does not need converting when switching from other brands or formulations.
Animalcare has developed a range of supporting materials to encourage the use of Thiamacare as the preferred choice for feline hyperthyroid medical management. They include social posts and a post-prescription leaflet to help veterinary teams support owners, particularly through the stabilisation phase post-diagnosis.
A short webinar offering top tips for treating feline hyperthyroidism from feline Specialist Dr Caney will also be available later in October. These resources will all be available at www.the-pac.co.uk.
References
The service will be run by European and RCVS recognised specialist in Soft Tissue Surgery, Jane Ladlow, and will begin taking referrals from October 28th.
Jane has nearly 20 years’ experience as a specialist clinician, researcher, teacher and lecturer.
Her main focus for the last 10 years has been upper airway disease in dogs. As the clinical lead of the Cambridge Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) Research Group, she has been instrumental in the introduction of objective, non-invasive assessments of airway function, identifying risk factors for BOAS, clinical diagnosis, breeding guidelines and the development of new surgical techniques (laser turbinectomy and laryngeal surgeries).
She has extensive experience of general surgery, and particularly enjoys oncology surgery, with an emphasis on treatments that are kind to owners and animals. Jane was the 2019 recipient of the BSAVA Simon Award for outstanding contributions in the field of veterinary surgery.
Jane said, “The team at HSR demonstrate a drive for excellence, both clinically and in providing the best experience for clients and their pets. I’m excited to start working as part of the innovative and collaborative team of surgeons, nurses and support staff.”
Director and orthopaedic surgery specialist, Michael Hamilton, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Jane to the team here. Her work has revolutionised the way we diagnose and manage BOAS. Continual learning and innovation are core to our practice, and we know Jane will be a strong driving force helping us continue providing the best outcomes for clients and their pets.”
For more information, visit: www.hamiltonspecialists.vet
Propomitor can be used for the induction and maintenance of general anaesthesia for procedures lasting up to five minutes by the administration of incremental doses or as a constant rate infusion (CRI).
It can also be used for the induction of general anaesthesia where maintenance is provided by the inhalation of anaesthetic agents.
Animalcare Product Manager Kai Crawshaw said: "Propofol is the ‘go to’ solution for short-acting anaesthesia in many practices so we are delighted to add Propomitor, our new affordable propofol solution, to our range. It complements our already extensive anaesthetic toolkit, which offers options for analgesia, sedation, gaseous anaesthesia and recovery."
Propomitor is available in boxes of 5 x 20 ml bottles.
For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or Animalcare’s head office on 01904 487687.
The university says that new resource, which is aimed at qualified and student nurses, will provide fresh perspectives on the interactions between nursing care, animal health and patient behaviour and how the overlap between these things can improve patient welfare and clinical outcomes.
Topics covered include clinical skills, patient handling and behaviour, wound management and bandaging, animal welfare and inpatient care. Content includes video tutorials, downloadable fact sheets and interactive quizzes.
The Royal (Dick) School’s Welfare and Anaesthesia Nurse Hayley Walters, who teaches final year vet students, said: “Knowledge and compassionate veterinary nurses improve patient welfare, so we want to share some of our educational and animal welfare expertise with a global audience.
"This new resource will help to promote the role of the veterinary nurse as a para-professional who is an essential part of the veterinary team."
For more information or to register, visit: https://www.ed.ac.uk/vet/jeanne-marchig-centre/cpd/vnos
For the 10,000 steps challenge, the practice has split into teams of eight which will compete against each other for a weekly prize for the team that collectively walks the furthest.
The practice is also encouraging colleagues to participate in daily wellbeing sessions, including interval training and a mindfulness programme, in conjunction with healthcare partner Vitality.
Mark Goodfellow, Head of Oncology at Davies and Mental Health First Aider said: “Commitment to high standards and dedication to patient care can lead to long working hours.
"Couple this with sick patients, distressed clients and end of life decision-making and the outcome can be feelings of failure, hopelessness and compassion fatigue.
"Simply taking time to walk and share experiences with a colleague can be an unburdening in itself. A problem shared with the right person is a problem halved.”
Licensed for the treatment of severe equine asthma, each Equipred tablet contains 50mg of prednisolone, a larger concentration tablet designed to make dosing easier.
Equipred tablets are available in boxes of 100 tablets and each tablet can be divided into halves and quarters for accurate dosing and precise tapering of the administered dose.
Rosie Naylor, Equine Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "We are pleased to add Equipred to Virbac’s equine range. The novel 50mg tablet presentation will enable accurate dosing of horses that require orally administered steroid treatment".
For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The follow up service ‘can be provided personally by the veterinary surgeon or practice, or by written agreement with a veterinary services provider which is local to the client (as with the current situation for [out-of-hours] care provision)’.
The new rule comes into force on the 1st November, to allow practices to make any necessary arrangements.
The RCVS Council also decided that the temporary derogation from the usual requirement to conduct a physical examination before an animal is regarded as ‘under care’ be reviewed as a standing item at each subsequent Standards Committee meeting, until the normal guidance provisions are fully restored.
Mr Wilson faced two charges. The first was that in October 2017, he provided inaccurate information to an insurer in respect of a Labrador he treated by saying that the dog was presented to him with a lame left foreleg on 13 June 2017, when in fact the dog was presented for treatment on 7 June 2017 and that his conduct was therefore dishonest and misleading.
The second charge was that between 17 January 2017 and 17 January 2018 he failed to have any arrangements in place for Professional Indemnity Insurance (a requirement of the Code of Professional Conduct) and then, that between 8 January and 5 December 2019, he failed to respond to reasonable requests from the RCVS regarding his Professional Indemnity Insurance.
Prior to the hearing, Mr Wilson made an application to the Committee to adjourn the hearing subject to the Committee accepting his undertakings to remove himself from the Register and never to apply to be restored.
Mr Wilson’s legal representative at the hearing submitted to the Disciplinary Committee that granting the application would be in the public interest on the basis that Mr Wilson was 68 years of age and had now retired from the profession and closed his practice, that he had dedicated his entire working life to veterinary practice, had a previously long and unblemished career with no other complaints, and that he was well-regarded by clients and professional colleagues.
The application was not opposed by the RCVS whose representative informed the Committee that, relating to the charge of dishonesty, the College had taken into account that the insurance claim form was not submitted by Mr Wilson himself, and that there is no evidence of any financial motivation behind the charge nor any allegation of harm to an animal.
Taking into account the submissions from Mr Wilson’s representatives and from the RCVS, as well as precedent cases for such applications, the Committee decided that Mr Wilson’s voluntary undertakings went well beyond any sanction that could be imposed by the Committee and considered that the application would protect the public interest, confidence in the profession, and the welfare of animals.
Professor Alistair Barr FRCVS, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee decided that this is not a case in which the public interest or the welfare of animals demands that there be a full hearing, with determinations made by the Disciplinary Committee. Taking into account proportionality, and weighing in the balance the public interest, the interests of justice, the need to protect the welfare of animals, as well as the interests of both parties, the Committee decided to accede to the respondent’s application.”
The full findings of the Disciplinary Committee can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Part of the Pets at Home Vet Group, the new centre was originally set for a Spring/Summer 2020 opening, but the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown set launch plans back to later in the year.
The 24/7 referral centre, which is led by Dr Sam Woods and Professor Dick White as co-Clinical Directors, takes referrals in orthopaedics, internal medicine, neurology, soft tissue surgery, diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia.
Sam said: "We are thrilled to finally be able to officially open our centre this week and to start welcoming patients from the surrounding area and throughout Scotland.
"This has been a strange and difficult year for us all, and as a profession we have faced some hard months. We hope our new referral hospital will be a great asset to the local first opinion professionals, as an extra support with any specialist referral cases, and we are really looking forward to building relationships with them.
"We are lucky to have a great team of veterinary Specialists, nurses and support colleagues at VSS, who are all dedicated to offering the best service and care possible. We are all excited to see what the next few months will bring.
The centre, based at Deer Park in Livingston, will also provide a CPD programme and internship and residency opportunities to those in the profession.
Professor Dick White said: “Since its original inception, our vision for VSS has always been to create a world-class facility, with state-of-the-art technology and outstanding levels of care, and it feels great that we have finally been able to open the doors, welcome patients in and start on our journey.
"We hope the referral centre not only supports local vets and pets, but also fosters new talent and helps develop the next generation of veterinary professionals through our CPD and Internship offering. We are looking forward to what the future will hold."