Hospital director David Walker said: “Ewan Ferguson has been providing our dermatology service for many years and with Hilary joining him, we will now be able to provide a full-time service to support our referring vets, their clients and pets.
He added: “We are really delighted that Hilary is joining the dermatology team at Anderson Moores. Her passion for dermatology is infectious and with a particular interest in chronic ear disease, I’m sure she’s going to be very busy!”
Hilary has been a past Board member and organiser of the scientific meetings for the British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group, a member of the In Practice editorial board for 20 years and a past chief examiner for the RCVS Small Animal Medicine Certificate. She continues to act as a mentor for the BSAVA PGCertSAM course and as an assessor for the RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Dermatology.
Hilary has worked in first opinion and referral clinics around the south west, including running her own dermatology referral service within several veterinary practices. From 2018 to 2021, she had been working as lead clinician in dermatology at Langford Vets (University of Bristol).
Hilary said: “I’m very excited to be joining the fantastic team at Anderson Moores and really looking forward to helping make a difference with the new dermatology service we’ll be offering.
For more information, visit www.andersonmoores.com.
According to the charity, hens have been badly neglected by the world of evidence-based academic research, with only two known papers written about their welfare.
However, researchers are now starting to take an interest and it is hoped that the new forum, nicknamed The Coop, will pave the way for ground-breaking studies around the world into hen welfare and hen keeping.
Jane Howorth MBE, Founder of the BHWT, said: “The research about to be undertaken ranges from exploring how hens benefit our mental health to seeking good veterinary care and appropriate drugs. They will also examine how the pet hen population has grown over the years and reasons for keeping them, and which homegrown remedies are used and which work.
One of the first bits of research to be supported by the BHWT is a study called ‘From the Backyard to our Beds’ by Jenny Mace BSc, MSc AWSEL, FHEA, Visiting Lecturer on the MSc in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law at the Centre for Animal Welfare at the University of Winchester.
The survey will collect data on the care-taking practices and attitudes towards chickens of non-commercial chicken carers, and you can take part here: https://winchester.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/from-the-backyard-to-our-beds-the-spectrum-of-care-in.
Jenny said: “To my knowledge, this research constitutes the first quantitative study to distinguish between ex-commercial and ‘standard’ chickens. It is also the first to enquire about some niche care-taking practices, such as the use of hormonal implants as a possible means of healthcare in hens.
“The results should be fascinating and I urge all backyard chicken keepers/rescuers to make sure their experiences are captured by filling out this survey. Thank you so much!”
The BHWT is also supporting work undertaken by Keiran Ragoonanan, a student at the Royal Veterinary College in London, who is investigating backyard chicken husbandry and feeding practices in the UK.
For more information visit: https://www.bhwt.org.uk/hen-health/take-part-in-ground-breaking-research-to-help-pet-chickens/
The figures, published as part of the RSPCA's Cancel Out Cruelty campaign, showed that the UK's 12 million dogs are over four times more likely to be the victims of intentional harm compared to cats, about which there were 14,825 incident reports.
There were also 3,226 incidents of deliberate harm to horses and 811 to rabbits.
RSPCA dog welfare expert Dr Samantha Gaines said: “We say we’re a nation of animal-lovers and that dogs are man’s best friend. And yet, every year, we see many dogs coming into our care bearing the physical and mental scars that were inflicted at the hands of the very people who were meant to keep them safe and love them unconditionally.
"Some of the cases I’ve seen have left me in tears and still stay with me today. Every time my own RSPCA rescue dog, Flo, comes to curl up beside me on the sofa I wonder what she suffered at the hands of people before she was found wandering the streets of London with a badly broken leg. Did someone do that to her deliberately? It doesn’t bear thinking about.
"But, tragically, that’s the reality for so many dogs. We’ve seen some of the most unimaginable cruelty inflicted on these gentle, sweet creatures. We’ve seen them beaten, drowned, set on fire, and poisoned. Our officers have been able to save some of them; getting to them just in time and finding them collapsed, bloodied, and hopeless. Others have died at the hands of their tormentors, but none should experience such cruelty.”
For more information, visit: www.rspca.org/stopcruelty.
As well as marking the 60th anniversary of the first RCVS-accredited Animal Nursing Auxiliary training scheme, the profession has also recently reached another milestone: 20,000 veterinary nurses on the Veterinary Nurses Register.
The Diamond Jubilee events include a series of webinars covering the past, present and future of the profession, with presentations from eminent veterinary nurses, including:
The RCVS will also be running a series of podcasts with prominent members of the profession. Each podcast episode will have a different host, reflecting on an area of veterinary nursing that they are passionate about.
The first webinar and podcast episode are available to watch and listen to on the Diamond Jubilee webpage www.rcvs.org.uk/VNdiamonds.
Matthew Rendle RVN, Chair of the Veterinary Nurses Council, said: “The veterinary nursing Diamond Jubilee celebrations are a fitting way of paying tribute to veterinary nursing – a profession that does so much for animal health and welfare. The celebrations will look back on all that has been achieved by the profession and give us an opportunity to engage with RVNs to come up with ideas for how we can continue to advance and develop our amazing profession.
“I am particularly happy about the fact that, earlier this month, I was informed that we have reached the milestone of 20,000 veterinary nurses on the Register which is an amazing achievement. When the VN Register was launched in 2007 there were just over 7,000 members of our profession – the fact we have almost trebled in number since then shows just how far we have come in a short space of time as invaluable members of the veterinary team providing professional care for the nation’s animals.”
Anyone wishing to take part in the celebrations can share their memories or pictures of veterinary nursing on social media, using the hashtag #VNDiamonds
The company says most other providers have restrictions for older pets, commonly for dogs over the age of 8 and cats over 10. As a result, the customer often feels trapped to stay with their current insurer.
Petsure offers cover for a range of veterinary fee levels, from £1,000 to £15,000 regardless of pre-existing medical conditions. Each policy can cover a combination of up to eight cats or dogs on a single policy and gives the option of tailoring the level of cover for each pet, including the option of sharing the bill. There is also a choice of 4 add-on covers including travel and holiday cover.
There are no exclusion periods when switching from an existing insurer with like for like cover.
The company also offers 24 hour video consultations via FirstVet.
Scott Miller MRCVS said: "Every day I see pets come into my clinics with worried owners. Worrying for the wellbeing of your pet is expected but worrying about the cost of treatment should not be a concern. That's why I'm so thrilled that a product has launched to ensure our furry friends with most pre-existing conditions can be treated and pet-prejudice is no longer an issue."
For more information, visit www.petsure.com or call 03301281862.
The company points to research which showed that in the US, and despite the importance of annual health checks, 45.7% of cats did not visit a veterinary surgeon in the year the study was conducted. Of those, 41% cited the reason as their “cats did not get sick or injured.” Only 16% said they did not have the money to pay for a veterinary visit.1,2
Apparently, a more recent poll by International Cat Care (ICC) also found that 50% of cat owners struggle to get their cat into a carrier, which is obviously a barrier to taking their pet to the veterinary clinic.
To help more cats get to the vet, International Cat Care has developed educational materials and a range of training aids including free online training videos, podcasts, emails and giveaways. They're available at: https://icatcare.org/international-cat-day.
Dr. Michael McFarland, Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis, said: "Many cat owners find it incredibly difficult and stressful getting cats into a carrier. As a result, many are reluctant to take their cat to their veterinarian unless they have a major health issue.
“Cats are intelligent animals and we want owners to know that they respond well to training. The ICC survey found that owners who use positive training and rewards find it much easier to get their cats into a carrier, so we are delighted to support the #BeCatCurious campaign this year.
“Visits to the veterinarian and giving medicines when needed are essential if we want to keep our pets healthy and protected, for example against parasites. So, encouraging owners to be more curious and to learn something new with their cat can not only strengthen the bond between them but also make life easier and healthier for cats and their owners.
References
The campaign comes after the Association carried out a survey of 1000 of its members which found that 79% had been affected or diagnosed with a chronic illness or condition, such as migraine, anxiety and depression, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, or the menopause.
During the campaign, there will be four webinars:
All webinars are free to attend.
At the end of the campaign, the BVNA will invite veterinary practices to make use of a new digital tool kit, designed to support practices to develop protocols that help veterinary nurses suffering with a chronic illness or condition.
Alex Taylor BVNA Junior Vice President said: "This campaign means a great deal to myself and the rest of the Council Members who are part of the BVNA chronic illness campaign task and finish group. Every one of us has had to deal with our own challenges as working as a veterinary nurse with a chronic illness or condition - we know how it feels and we want to help and make a real difference to people’s lives.
"As well as offering support to affected nurses, we also wanted to reach out to their colleagues, line managers and employers. We felt that having empathetic, supportive and well-informed colleagues is a key part of helping those affected by chronic illness to thrive in the workplace.
"Everyone deserves to be given the chance to reach their full potential in their job role and having a chronic illness should not be a barrier to achieving this. This campaign will not only raise awareness, but provide essential resources to those who need it, which after seeing the results of our recent survey, is very much needed."
Recordings of the webinars, the CIC toolkit, podcasts and further information will all be available to download from the BVNA website: https://bvna.org.uk
Apovomin is effective after a single injection, with results in two to fifteen minutes.
Apovomin has the active substance apomorphine hydrochloride hemihydrate 3 mg (equivalent to apomorphine 2.56 mg). It is being marketed in 5 ml vials. It has a three-year shelf life and lasts for up to 28 days once broached.
Dechra Brand Manager Claire Morgan said: “Unfortunately there are many everyday substances that are toxic to dogs once ingested and time is of the essence when dogs have swallowed something that is poisonous to them.
“It is vital that veterinary professionals have access to a safe and effective treatment like Apovomin that they know they can rely on when dealing with cases like this.
“Apovomin offers a cost effective and successful treatment for accidental poisoning that will be an important tool for veterinary professionals in day-to-day practice.”
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk.
The company says that despite the development of alternatives to natural bone grafting, such as allografts and synthetic products, autologous bone graft is still considered the standard. However, it has a number of disadvantages, such as donor site morbidities and lameness, limited availability of graft volume (particularly in small size pets) and additional surgical time.
Biocera-Vet is a new bone substitute indicated in surgical procedures where bone grafting is necessary, such as arthrodesis, complex fractures, corrective osteotomy used in correction of limb deformities or as add-on to Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA).
Biocera-Vet is an injectable synthetic self-hardening calcium-phosphate cement combining osteo-inductive, osteo-conductive and osteo-integrative properties designed to support a fast and strong consolidation.
TheraVet says Biocera-Vet also presents an excellent safety profile thanks to its biocompatibility, reduced comorbidities and superior ergonomics which save a significant amount of surgical time.
Dr Olivier Stiévenart, an orthopaedic veterinary surgeon at Surgivet in Belgium said: "Using Biocera-Vet has enabled us to optimise our patient care considerably, by reducing the operating time by at least 30 minutes. The use of an efficient and rapid bone substitute represents a real progress in terms of both operations and the animal’s quality of life".
Julie Schurgers, Chief Commercial Officer of TheraVet, said: "Biocera-Vet is a unique product on the veterinary bone substitute market, combining outstanding bone consolidation properties with an excellent safety profile and superior ergonomics. We are very excited today to announce its commercialisation on the market and are convinced that this innovative product will significantly improve the daily practices of veterinarians, for the well-being of patients and their owners."
The product is now available in Belgium, and will be rolled out in France and the Netherlands shortly, with the rest of Europe following later in 2021 / 2022.
For more information, visit: https://www.thera.vet/en/biocera-vet.
To nominate someone for inclusion in the showcase, visit: https://www.beva.org.uk/60-Faces
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: "We are proud of BEVA’s heritage and want to recognise our 60th birthday by celebrating some of those who have made a significant difference to the equine veterinary community. We want you to help us identify the 60 individuals who you believe have truly inspired, influenced and progressed the equine veterinary profession for the better.”
Each of the nominated 60 faces will be highlighted on the website and on BEVA’s social media channels. Profile details will include career paths, workplaces and personal contributions to the equine veterinary profession.
Lucy added: "We have already started the list with Colonel John Hickman, Sue Dyson and Peter Rossdale. But there are hundreds of exceptional, deserving individuals who have made a huge difference to the equine veterinary profession and are worthy of our 60 Faces roll call."
The deadline for nominations is Friday 16th April 2021. All nominations are anonymous.
In the study titled 'Staphylococcal bacterial contamination of portable electronic devices in a large veterinary hospital1', samples were taken from the screen and any button of PEDs (such as mobile phones and tablets) of staff working directly with feline and canine patients. Hospital staff were asked to complete a questionnaire to ascertain the frequency of PED use and the frequency and method of PED cleaning.
The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of Staphylococcal contamination of PEDs in a veterinary hospital, and to identify the source and determine the pathogenesis of any cultured strains.
Positive cultures were tested for resistance to oxacillin and vancomycin using a Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test and then by using a broth microdilution test to EUCAST guidelines and breakpoints. PCR was used to specifically genotype the isolated staphylococci.
Georgia Vinall, corresponding author for the paper, said: “Useable swab samples were taken from 47 devices. Staphylococcus spp. were cultured from 68% of PEDs with a median of 10 colonies grown per device. Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. were found on 36% of devices, whilst oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus spp. were cultured from 2% of devices. DNA sequencing identified three Staphylococcus species; S. capitis, S. epidermidis and S. hominis which are most likely associated with humans as either sources or transmission vectors."
“The results of the survey indicate that 96% of staff had a PED which they used in the hospital environment, of which 85% use their device every day. Despite the high usage of PEDS in the hospital environment, only 6% of staff cleaned their device daily, with 33% of staff cleaning their PED less than weekly. Furthermore, only 54% of staff cleaned their device with a disinfectant."
Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of JSAP said: "This study demonstrates that PEDs may become contaminated with potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Although this specific study did not focus on transmission of these microorganisms, and therefore it is unclear what are the clinical implications of this finding, it seems prudent to develop appropriate protocols for cleaning of PEDs in veterinary hospitals."
The full article can be found in the April issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and can be read online here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13289.
Reference
The course is comprised of five modules, four of which are online and one taught in person. The syllabus includes:
To enter the competition, nurses are invited to write to tracey.jones@vahl-academy.com and explain why you believe you should be considered and what difference it would make to you and the practice you work at.
The closing date for entries is 14th May and the winner will be announced by email 14 days later.
All entries will also receive a 10% discount on any e-learning courses at www.vahl.vet.
Alex is applying the data science he uses in his day job to help local vets at the Olive Ridley Project care for the ancient reptiles.
Six of the seven species of sea turtles are endangered due to human behaviour, many of them killed by poachers for their shells, eggs and meat.
They're also affected by the increasing volume of plastic waste in the sea.
Alex, who normally spends his time leading a team of business intelligence engineers and analysts who provide insights in finance, HR and clinical event reporting, is setting the charity up with practice management software to help it capture clinical records and track the sea turtles.
Alex said: "We’ll be setting up the software, making sure the vets can operate it and then adding all their existing data to it. We’re giving them a powerful tool to capture clinical records and manage turtles over a long period of time.”
“These valuable creatures are hugely important to marine ecosystems and have travelled our seas for the last 100 million years, so I’m delighted to be able to play a part in their conservation.”
For more information on the Olive Ridley Project, visit https://oliveridleyproject.org.
The company says that by encouraging socialisation, natural behaviour and good health practices, the campaign will help puppy owners get their journey off to a good start and, with their vet, raise a dog that is healthy and family friendly.
The initiative comprises a range of practice materials, including health advice, training and behaviour tips, and a new owner video covering the essentials of puppy ownership.
The materials include digital content to use in email campaigns and on practice websites and social media channels.
Further support on how to optimise social media channels is also available to practices through PetNatter – Boehringer's free veterinary resource designed to help practices make the most of the opportunities social media provides.
Evelyn Murphy, senior brand manager for NexGard Spectra, said: “The ‘Relax, it’s a Puppy Thing’ initiative is a breath of fresh air and will provide puppy owners with just what they need to help them nurture a puppy through its formative life-stage, while easily and effectively supporting practices in communicating with owners on puppy health and welfare.”
For further information, contact your Boehringer Ingelheim territory manager.
The course counts for four hours CPD, split into six short sessions which can be completed in your own time.
Presented by Dr Dan Cripwell BSc (Hons) BVSc CertAVP PgCert (VPS) MRCVS, Advanced Veterinary Practitioner and senior veterinary technical advisor at Jurox, the sessions consist of:
There is a quiz at the end of each module, following which, you can download a CPD certificate.
Suzy Ramsay, head of sales and marketing at Jurox (UK) Limited, said: “We are committed to developing unique and world class anaesthesia and analgesic products and practices within the animal health industry through the provision of up-to-date technical support and education. Our new Jurox Anaesthesia Academy CPD platform will enable veterinary professionals to adopt an evidence-based approach to their anaesthetic product choice and, in turn, help achieve the best possible anaesthetic outcomes for their patients.”
For access to the Jurox Anaesthesia Academy CPD platform, visit https://cpd.jurox.co.uk.
For further information, contact your local Jurox account manager, phone 0800 500 3171 or email customerservice@jurox.co.uk.
The service is being led by Isuru Gajanayake, a board-certified specialist in veterinary nutrition. He said: “Since launching our clinical nutrition service last year, we have seen a number of cases in which patients have been either dehydrated or malnourished, sometimes both.
“Working alongside our other services in a truly multidisciplinary approach, we have been able to offer suitable treatment to support a significant number of dogs and cats.
“With the launch of the parenteral nutrition service, we can now expand this offering and, in doing so, become one of only a very few referral centres across the UK to provide this as a specialist service.
“Patients who are given parenteral nutrition will be hospitalised in our advanced intensive care unit to ensure they can be monitored closely by our specialist emergency and critical care (ECC) team, who provide exceptional expertise in critical care and treatment for every patient when they need it most.
Isuru added that the addition of the clinical nutrition and parenteral nutrition services at Willows ensures that there is a much greater emphasis on nutrition and hydration for all patients at the centre, whatever their underlying illness.
For more information, visit www.willows.uk.net or search for Willows Veterinary Centre and Referral Service on Facebook.
The brainchild of Sonya Miles CertAVP(ZM), CertAqV, MRCVS, Just Exotic (www.justexotics.co.uk) offers a range of training webinars, fact sheets, care sheets and ‘how to’ videos developed for veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and students. The webinars cost between £15 and £55 (depending on the length), and include presentations by Sonya herself, Eliabetta Mancinelli, Agata Witkowska, Louise Ash, Sarah Pellett and others.
Sonya said: “We’ve developed our content to be convenient and affordable. Some of it may also be helpful for clients.
"More content will be added on a regular basis, and please, if there is something you specifically want covered, drop us a line to info@justexotics.co.uk and will we do our best to make sure it becomes available.”
The specialist-led lectures will start on 5th May and run until October 2021, with a session every couple of weeks, alternating between vets and nurses.
RCVS-recognised specialist in ECC, Tobias Grave, and Racheal Marshall RVN, head of clinical nursing at Vets Now, are among the speakers who will be covering topics such as triage as well as nursing the neurological patient and more. You can view the full programme here.
Dan Lewis, ECC specialist at Vets Now, who devised this year’s veterinary CPD programme, said: “Because emergencies don’t only happen out of hours we’re committed to working with general practitioners to deliver the best possible care to pets at the time they need it most. With that in mind, we are also committed to bringing relevant and pioneering CPD and training to veterinary clinicians and vet nurses.
“As emergency and critical care experts, we appreciate the value of flexibility and are always looking to adapt our services. In 2021, with social distancing still expected to be the norm, we’re offering two CPD streams, available live and on-demand.
“We delivered a successful interactive learning experience for virtual delegates through our ECC Congress at the end of last year, so we have a strong foundation from which to build on innovative and expert virtual CPD, and we’ll aim to leave delegates feeling well-informed and assured.
“We will obviously miss seeing everyone in person but gathering together online like this is beneficial as we can reach more vets and vet nurses with valuable CPD. Importantly, the format can fit around busy schedules, with all content available as videos after the events have taken place.”
Dan added: “Delegates from our ECC Congress commented on some added benefits of the virtual format including things like less environmental impact and waste through less travelling, and more flexibility due to being able to look back on the content after the event. Delegates also felt it was easier to ask questions of the speakers without feeling intimidated.”
The event series is priced at £72 for the vet stream (working out at £12 per session) and £60 for the vet nurse stream (£10 per session). You can also attend both for £110 (working out at £9.16 per session).
You can book your place at www.vets-now.com/bitesize.
The company says the reason for the change is so that it can dedicate additional resources to the business.
Samantha Williamson, UK Country Manager at Animalcare, said: "Through our identichip microchips and our identibase pet database, we provide one of the UK’s longest-established pet microchipping services and are helping to reunite owners with their lost pets every single day.
"The pet reunification sector is evolving rapidly thanks to technological advances. We believe that the creation of identicare will facilitate the concentration of resources and expert knowledge needed to fuel the growth in our identichip business and continued enhancements to the identibase pet database. identicare will share the same passion and values as Animalcare and there will be no outward change for our customers.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver our ambition of delivering the highest quality pet reunification service under the identicare banner.”
The new company is part of the Animalcare Group.
The new leaflet, ‘Separation anxiety as a result of the pandemic. What can you do?’, was written in collaboration with clinical animal behaviourist, Rosie Bescoby, and is aimed at dog owners whose pets are struggling to adjust to the ‘new normal’.
It includes an overview of separation anxiety, including the signs to look out for and how to tackle it, together with training tips to help adult dogs and preventative advice for puppies.
The leaflet also includes advice on the dog fear ladder, which demonstrates the different levels of fear a dog may exhibit resulting in more extreme reactions being displayed, and information on the Adaptil range of products which help support dogs throughout their lives.
The leaflet is available as both a printed and online version to enable vet practices to distribute it to their clients in a format of their choice. It is supported by a social media toolkit for vet practices consisting of posts, graphics and a video.
Abigail King, senior behaviour product manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: “Lockdowns have been a positive experience for many of our dogs, as they are social animals and love being with their owners.
“However, with the 2021 PFMA annual pet population report confirming that 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, some pet owners have never left their dogs home alone, so it’s going to be a totally new experience which some pets may struggle with.
"Our new separation anxiety leaflet will help support both pets and owners as they adjust to the new normal.”
For further information, contact your local Ceva Animal Health account manager or email cevauk@ceva.com.
60 vets took part in the survey. 80% believed they had seen an increase in behavioural problems since lockdown. Over 60% reported an increase in the incidence of obesity and diarrhoea. Nearly 50% had seen an increase in urinary tract disorders and haemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
When asked which conditions had been harder to manage clinically since the start of the pandemic, the top seven conditions were:
Medicine specialist, Dr Stefanie Mitze (pictured right) said: “We conducted the survey to help us understand changes in disease incidence and the clinical challenges faced by our colleagues in first opinion practice over the last year.
"The fact that the incidence of disorders which can have a stress-related component, including behavioural problems, diarrhoea and urinary tract disease, were reported to have increased by a high proportion of respondents indicates that many pets may be experiencing heightened stress during the pandemic.”
Stefanie is now creating a series of free bitesize CPD videos to help manage these more challenging cases. She said: “We recognise the past year has been challenging, especially with complex staffing issues, reduced vet visits and restricted face-to-face communication with clients. For complex, chronic medical conditions, especially those which require frequent follow up, we wanted to support colleagues in providing the best care possible in the current circumstances. We hope these CPD sessions will provide practical tips to help deliver just that.
The CPD sessions are available at: https://www.hamiltonspecialists.vet
Zoetis says Librela (bedinvetmab) and Solensia (frunevetmab) work differently from NSAIDs, the current standard of care, by specifically targeting NGF, a key player in OA pain1.
As monoclonal antibodies, they are eliminated by the body in the same way as naturally occurring proteins, with minimal involvement of the liver or the kidney2.
John Innes, BVSc, PhD, MRCVS (Small Animal Orthopaedics), Chief Veterinary Officer and Referrals Director at CVS said: “The potential for anti-NGF therapy to control OA pain is an exciting new development, representing a new therapeutic class, an innovative tool for clinicians working to alleviate OA pain, and a new medicinal innovation.
"NGF is one of the key factors mediating pain, inducing the release of both proinflammatory mediators and more NGF contributing to a cycle of pain and inflammation. I welcome this innovative tool for clinicians working to alleviate OA pain.”
In a field study (three-month placebo-controlled, followed by six months continuation therapy), Librela administered as monthly injections demonstrated a reduction in osteoarthritis pain as compared to placebo-controlled dogs.
According to the company, the pain reduction was maintained throughout the six-month continuation study, demonstrating sustained efficacy of Librela for at least nine months.
Solensia administered as monthly injections during two multi-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind field studies that enrolled a total of 360 cats demonstrated that in both studies, ≥76% Solensia-treated cats were considered a treatment success by the owners and veterinary-assessed joint pain scores decreased by >50% in these cats by study end2.
Mike McFarland, DVM, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis said: “Globally osteoarthritis (OA) pain impacts nearly 40% of cats and dogs suffering from the condition2,4.
"OA pain is under-diagnosed as pet owners often think signs of pain are related to ‘normal’ signs of ageing.
"The most common medications used to treat OA pain today are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)1, While effective, current treatment choices can have limitations. Additionally, middle aged to senior pets may have other diseases that require multiple medications. Not all pets respond to NSAID therapy and some will not tolerate NSAIDs. This can lead to under-treatment today of OA pain.
“With Solensia for cats and Librela for dogs, veterinarians will now have access to once-monthly breakthrough solutions for the management of pain associated with osteoarthritis – offering a new alternative to veterinarians to improve the quality of life for pets and their owners.”
Librela (bedinvetmab) is launched today in the European Union, United Kingdom and Switzerland. Solensia (frunevetmab) will launch in Europe, United Kingdom and Switzerland in May.
Animalcare hopes that its ‘Make Senior Easier’ campaign will raise awareness of conditions that can go unnoticed or get dismissed by owners as a normal part of ageing, such as hyperthyroidism.
As part of the campaign, practices can request a free resource pack which includes:
Kirsty Cavill RVN said: ''In my role as a RVN and canine rehabilitation therapist, I often come across senior pets with underlying conditions which are adversely affecting their health but could be managed successfully through a multimodal approach and structured treatment plan.
"By adopting a proactive approach to senior pet care and by helping owners to understand how to best support their pets through this life stage, we will strengthen the bonds with our clients, to ensure the highest standard of care is afforded to all senior patients.''
James Beaumont, Brand Manager at Animalcare, added: "As life expectancy increases and numbers of senior pets continue to grow, veterinary care tailored to the needs of these animals has never been more relevant and it is also a huge business opportunity for practices. To help them capitalise on this opportunity, we have created our Make Senior Easier campaign and hope that the resources we have created will improve owner awareness and give practices the tools they need to achieve the best clinical outcomes for older pets and their owners.”
To request your free resource pack, visit: www.animalcare.co.uk/makesenioreasier.
For more information, contact your Animalcare Territory Manager or ring 01904 487687.
Canaural contains fusidic acid, framycetin and nystatin for their antibacterial and antifungal effects against the most common organisms associated with otitis externa.
Fusidic acid has skin penetrating properties and is active against staphylococci and streptococci1. Framycetin is active against Gram negative species. Dechra says the combination of the two provides an enhanced antibacterial effect on the most common bacterial cause of canine otitis2.
Nystatin is active against malassezia and prednisolone helps to provide anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic action.
Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: “The reintroduction of Canaural to the veterinary treatment market means that once again veterinarians have this reliable and effective treatment available to tackle one of the most common canine complaints.
"Canaural is a tried and tested product and a recent study showed that fusidic acid is highly efficacious against both methicillin sensitive and methicillin resistant strains of Staphylococcus pseudintermedius3. Canaural remains as relevant today as it has ever been."
Canaural comes in 15 ml and 25 ml bottle sizes and is now available in veterinary wholesalers.
The event, which was cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, is the first opportunity for the profession to get back together after the past two turbulent years. To mark BEVA’s 60th Birthday, special celebrations are in the pipeline as well as the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium taking place during the event.
BEVA President Lucy Grieve said: "We are all so excited that BEVA Congress is back this year, albeit that it will be a little bit different. You can expect the same event we all know and love but with a few new measures in place to ensure we can all stay safe during these uncertain times. We are also offering a virtual option for those that can’t attend in person, so that no one misses out.”
Congress Committee co-chair Tim Barnett said: “My co-chair Ceri Sherlock and I have been working hard over the past few months to put together a programme that rivals anything we’ve had before. You can expect lectures, discussion and debates on a number of topics including learning from mistakes, working in teams, and a dedicated stream of nursing lectures.”
This year Lucy has selected teamwork as the theme for BEVA Congress 2021, in celebration of the Association’s 60th anniversary. She said: “In modern day veterinary medicine, no one person can satisfactorily deliver all that is required.
“Without a team approach, from vets, nurses, practice managers, farriers and paraprofessionals the potential to maximise the health and welfare of horses cannot be fulfilled.
"This year, we intend to celebrate 60 years of teamwork and how we can do far more to serve our patients as a harmonious team than if we work alone.”
Early bird tickets for BEVA Congress are available from 19th April until 16th August 2021. Tickets provide access to all three lecture halls and exhibition halls as well as the virtual congress hub. They also include a complimentary ticket to the 13th International Equine Colic Symposium.
Early bird BEVA member prices are £499 for vets and £187 for vet nurses for all 3 days (with concessions available for those in their first three years of graduation or on a lower salary). Virtual tickets are £99 for BEVA members.
BEVA has introduced a 'peace of mind' bookings policy to reassure those whose personal situation may change between booking their ticket and the event.
Full details of the BEVA Congress programme will be announced shortly. To find out more and to book your tickets visit http://www.bevacongress.org/