Veterinary nurses and student vet nurses are being asked to take part in a new research which aims to identify risk factors for suicidal thoughts, to better inform suicide prevention.

The research is being carried out by James Glass MRCVS (pictured), a PhD researcher working in the Suicide Behaviour Research Lab at the University of Glasgow, supervised by Professor Rory O'Connor - current president of the International Association for Suicide Prevention.

To take part, vet nurses and students are being asked to complete a 15-25 minute survey, which must be done in one sitting. 

Survey answers are strictly confidential. 

Everyone is invited to participate, regardless of whether or not you have experienced suicidal thoughts, however James cautions that some of the questions may be upsetting for anyone currently experiencing suicidal feelings, and emphasises that participants are free to withdraw from the study at any point by closing the webpage, whereupon any answers already submitted with be discarded.

The study is open until 31st December 2024.

https://tinyurl.com/StudyTeamVet 

Humanimal Trust, the charity set up in 2014 by Professor Noel Fitzpatrick, is to host a virtual seminar about One Medicine on Friday 6 May 2022 with talks from leading human and animal medical professionals.

Humanimal Trust is the only organisation in the UK with the sole purpose of progressing One Medicine, driving collaboration between vets, doctors, nurses and researchers so advances in both human and animal medicine can be achieved faster. 

The seminar, entitled One Medicine in Action – Awareness, Collaboration and Change, follows on from the Trust’s inaugural symposium last year when a roadmap was created on how to develop closer links between human and veterinary medical and research professionals.

This year’s event will look at ways to put the roadmap into action through awareness raising, increased collaboration and change.

Professor Roberto La Ragione, Chair of Trustees at Humanimal Trust (pictured right), said “We know that when animal and human health professionals and scientists come together, great things happen.

"Last year’s symposium, which was part of our ‘Stronger Together’ campaign, was a huge success.

"It drew an audience from across the UK and Europe, as well as Chile, the United States, Singapore and Australia.

“Not only did it provide a real opportunity to explore ways to achieve more ethical and fair medical progress for all, but it also allowed connections to be made and relationships to be forged that wouldn’t otherwise exist.”

Miss Anna Radford, a Consultant in Paediatric Surgery at Hull University NHS Trust and Leeds Children’s Hospital, who is speaking at the seminar in May, said: “I was introduced to a diagnostics company working in the animal medical care field at last year’s symposium and through them, we have set up a new collaboration with the aim of determining whether this sort of diagnostic technology developed with companion animal medicine in mind, could potentially also be useful to help diagnose urinary, joint and cerebrospinal fluid infections in a busy NHS hospital setting.” 

Other speakers at this year’s event include Dr Deborah Thomson, Founder and President of One Health Lessons, an organisation that inspires children and adults around the world to value the interconnection between human health and the health of the environment, plants and animals.

Dr Simon Doherty, a Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Global Food Security at Queen’s University in Belfast will highlight organisations that are successfully working together to improve the sustainability of dairy, meat and fish production to feed a growing global population, as well as the opportunities that exist for collaboration within the agri-food sector. 

Dr Doug Brown, CEO of the British Society for Immunology, will share some of the most notable examples of joined-up approaches in human and animal health research from across the Society’s membership, with a particular focus on veterinary immunology.  

The seminar, which will run from 2pm until 5.15pm BST, will end with a panel Q&A session, chaired by Humanimal Trust Trustee and Consultant Respiratory Physician at the University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Ben Marshall.

Attendance is free and registration is now open to all human and veterinary medical professionals and students, and the allied health and scientific disciplines. 

To find out more and register, visit www.humanimaltrust.org.uk

Parasitologist Dr Ian Wright, head of the European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites UK and Ireland (ESCCAP), has warned of a growing threat from exotic ticks arriving in the UK.

Speaking at Improve International's OV Conference last week, Dr Wright cited increased pet travel and importation as key risk factors, including the growing number of rescued dogs arriving in the UK from countries in Europe and further afield.

Dr Wright highlighted the Rhipicephalus tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) as being a particular cause for concern, as it can transmit Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Rickettsias, Babesia vogeli and Hepatozoon.

Dr Wright said that Ehrlichia canis and Anaplasma platys are among the most common tick-borne diseases in imported dogs, particularly those arriving from Eastern and Southern Europe. There were also three cases of Hepatozoon canis in 2018, caused by dogs ingesting Rhipicephalus ticks while grooming.

According to figures from a Bristol University Pet Travel survey, 54.5% of dog travel on the Pet Travel Scheme from the UK is to France with Southern European countries also popular destinations. These are all countries in which Rhipicephalus is present and on the increase. Dr Wright said that the ticks are moving north into Austria, Switzerland, Central France, Romania and Bulgaria.

During the last few months, he has also been alerted to ticks found on dogs coming in from North America, Latin America and Africa. These bring with them the risk of new diseases, including a variety of zoonotic rickettssial pathogens, such as Rickettsia Rickettsii, which causes Rocky Mountain Spotty Fever.

To address this issue Dr Wright urged vets to redouble their efforts on tick prevention. In particular, he recommended tick prevention pre/during and post travel, using products that offer rapid kill and repellency in order to reduce transmission, repellents being especially important in Leishmania infantum and Rhipicephalus-endemic countries.

Dr Wright recommended drilling clients and staff on tick removal and reminding them that finding a tick on a pet is not a failure as no product is 100% reliable and it is easy to miss them in long-haired dogs. He also suggested asking clients to take photos of any ticks they find on their pet while abroad so that their vet will know on their return what pathogens they may have been exposed to. If necessary, the Public Health England Tick Surveillance Scheme can help with identification.

Dr Wright suggested that legislation to enforce tick treatment on entry was a poor strategy used in isolation as pets would still be exposed while abroad and no product is completely reliable. It would be useful however, to raise awareness and show that we are taking the issue of tick-borne disease seriously.

He said: "We’re seeing a significant increase in pet travel and import a wider range of countries from which dogs are being imported and this is significantly increasing our exposure to exotic ticks.

"What’s news about this is that while you could argue that diseases such as Lyme Disease are ‘lifestyle’ diseases because people and dogs are exposed to our native ticks while out enjoying the countryside, the Rhipicephalus tick comes to your home, exposing you to a wealth of rickettsial diseases for the first time. We are already seeing instances of this in France, Germany and Scandinavia and, as pet travel continues to grow, the risk here will only increase. It’s equally possible that a dog with a native tick could travel aboard and return hosting a new pathogen.

"The only way to manage this risk is to provide consistent advice to the public and to support increased disease surveillance. Vigilance is key – assume that any travelling dog may have ticks and do not assume that because it is tick-treated, it’s a case of ‘job done.’"

He said: "Put the onus on clients - gently. Remind them to seek advice, to check for ticks and to keep tick treatments up to date. Also remind them to visit the practice with their dog as soon as possible on their return. If you do find exotic ticks, please send them to the Tick Surveillance Scheme for identification."

He added: "If you know an owner who is planning to adopt a dog from abroad, explain the risks to them and encourage them to adopt from the UK. If they are determined to go ahead, work with them to ensure that you reduce the risk of exotic ticks arriving with their new family members. The risk to human and animal health from an infestation should not be underestimated."

Hot on the heels of Vets Now and the BVA, Linnaeus has launched new resources to support the 5000-odd members of its workforce that will going through the menopause.

The resources comprise guidance materials, a health and wellbeing assessment, associate case studies, links to external support and information posters.

The company is also piloting a mindfulness app called Headspace, which is now freely available to everyone at Linnaeus, whether they are experiencing the menopause or have other needs.

Saskia Connell, People and Organisation Director at Linnaeus, said: “Menopause is a stage of life that is unique for everyone who experiences it – and can also affect the people around them.

"For those experiencing the menopause, sadly 45% say they feel their symptoms have had a negative impact on their work, according to the British Menopause Society.

"As an employer, we need to make sure they have our full support and a flourishing career.

One of Linnaeus' practices, Park Vet Group, has taken things a step further and introduced other wellbeing initiatives to support its associates with the menopause.

The practice offers confidential support to all associates who want to talk about any health concerns, plus open sessions to establish conversations about menopause.

Its team, led by Practice Manager Harriet Tims (pictured right), also introduced yellow 'Just to Make you Smile' toiletry bags containing sanitary products, tissues, hygiene wipes, deodorant spray and face wipes.

Anyone at Park can help themselves to the bags, or add products should they wish. 

Dr Kit Sturgess FRCVS, has been appointed Editor-in-Chief of Veterinary Evidence, the free, open access, peer-reviewed journal published by RCVS Knowledge.

Kit, or, to give him his full title, Dr Kit Sturgess MA, VetMB, PhD, CertVR, DSAM, CertVC, FRCVS, RCVS Recognised Specialist in Small Animal Medicine, has been working as an internist in private referral practice since 2003. In 2006 he became a founding partner in a multidisciplinary referral centre that he saw grow from five to 65 members of staff within five years.

He is also Chair of BSAVA Education Committee, Trustee of Cats Protection and Chair of Trustees of the Wildheart Trust. He was formerly an RCVS Knowledge Trustee and member of RCVS Council.

Kit has authored numerous articles and two textbooks, and presents lectures and research abstracts at conferences worldwide.

Kit will take up the editorship on 2nd September, succeeding Professor Peter Cockcroft. He said: “I am delighted to take on the editorship of Veterinary Evidence. With readers in 150 countries and output that has more than doubled over the past three years, the journal has quickly become a mainstay of evidence-based veterinary medicine, which is a testament to Peter’s enthusiasm and commitment to the development of the journal and its impact on the veterinary community.

"I am excited about leading Veterinary Evidence in its next stage of development, with recent events showing the critical importance of open online access. Veterinary Evidence is ideally placed to support an ever-growing and wide range of veterinary professionals by further developing a multimedia, multiplatform approach facilitating the use of evidence-based medicine in their daily practice."

Veterinary Evidence journal can be read at: veterinaryevidence.org

Belinda Andrews-Jones, a Royal Veterinary College (RVC) alumna, has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to veterinary nursing with the 2022 Dr Earl Rippie International Veterinary Nurse Leadership Scholarship from the North American Veterinary Community.

The scholarship was set up to honour the memory of Dr Earl H. Rippie Jnr., a former president of the North American Veterinary Community, who recognised the value veterinary nurses bring to the healthcare team and the significant role they play in promoting the wellbeing of animals.

The award reflects his steadfast belief that veterinary nurses are the spoke in the wheel of the practice and the heart of any veterinary hospital and should be celebrated as equals in the veterinary profession.

The only international recipient, Belinda was given the award for her impressive leadership and impact on growth of the profession and practice.

Belinda said: “I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive this prestigious award.

"I am so honoured to have my work recognised in this way by the Dr Earl Rippie award panel.

"It means so much to me that the work I am so passionate about also resonates with others.”

Professor Stuart Reid, Principal of the RVC, said: “I am delighted that Belinda has been recognised with this prestigious award.

"This international recognition is a testament to her ongoing work and commitment to ensuring veterinary nurses have equal voices and are rightfully acknowledged for the vital role they play in upholding the highest standards of animal care in veterinary practice.”

Exotic animal vet and star of CBBC’s ‘The Pets Factor’, Fabian Rivers has won the BVA Young Vet of the Year Award 2020.

The award, which is sponsored by Zoetis, is for early-career vets who have gone above and beyond the usual call of duty or who are making a difference within their community or the veterinary profession. Fabian was picked out of three finalists at a virtual award ceremony last night. 

The judges said he'd wowed them with his ongoing proactive contributions to the veterinary profession and his passion for raising awareness around exotic animal care.

Fabian is a practising vet and the latest member of the team on CBBC children’s TV show, ‘The Pets Factor’. He is also a recent graduate member of BVA Council.

In his spare time, he is an active writer. Whilst attending the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences in Brno, which he graduated from in 2018, he wrote his own student blog, ‘Dready Vet’. Since then, he has published several articles on a variety of topical and important issues such as ethnicity and race, diversity within the profession, feminism, Halal slaughter and reptile health and welfare.

The judges credited Fabian for his passion for communicating the complex welfare needs of non-traditional companion animals to the public. 

Fabian said: "First of all I’d like to pay tribute to Nat and Ben and all the nominees. They are really important to where the veterinary profession goes in the future and I’m indebted to them for what they’ve been able to do in a short period of time. They are an inspiration to me.

"Thank you to the judges. It’s really important that we start to celebrate each other and celebrate our wins. This is something I’ve tried hard to do this year.

"Thank you to everyone who’s supported me and been part of this journey. It means a huge amount.”

BVA President James Russell said: "Fabian has made a significant impact within the profession and beyond. The broad reach of his work – on issues that affect our profession and animal welfare – has made a national impact and promoted our profession to new audiences of all ages.

"During a particularly challenging year for all of us, Fabian has shown immense leadership and he is a truly deserving winner of the BVA Young Vet Award 2020."

Virbac has launched two wet diets for cats, formulated to help prevent and manage Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease.

The new Veterinary HPM Adult Neutered Wet with Salmon (a lifestage diet) and Urology Cat Wet (a clinical diet) have a high-protein low-carbohydrate formulation and a high share of animal protein. 

Virbac points to studies which show that FLUTD is diagnosed in 8% of cats seen by vets for non-routine appointments¹ and that there is a 51% risk of recurrence within one year of the initial diagnosis².

Dr Rémi Mandray DMV MRCVS, Product Manager at Virbac, said: "Feline specialists recognise the importance of nutrition and water intake in the management of FLUTD, so we are delighted to be able to add two high quality wet diets to the Veterinary HPM range and therefore offer advanced nutritional solutions to such an important health issue."

Virbac says that both diets have high levels of animal protein to stimulate water intake, increase the volume of urine and stabilise the pH for a healthy urinary system.

The lifestage diets include supplements to limit phosphorus excretion in the urine for improved prevention of struvite crystal formation.

The company also says the Urology diets in the clinical range meet the PARNUT requirements for dissolution and prevention of struvite stones or crystals, and prevention of oxalate formation. 

Virbac claims the new chunks in gravy wet diets naturally increase water intake by up to 50%, due to their high water content.

Dry and wets can be fed together as part of a mixed nutritional programme, to meet pet owner preferences identified in Virbac's market research: 60% of cat owners use wet food, mostly mixed with kibbles⁴. 

For more information, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.

References 

1. Lekcharoensuk C et al. JAVMA 2001; 218(9): 1425-1435.
2. Gerber B et al. J Fel Med Surg 2008; 10(1): 16-23.
3. Technisens study for Virbac -2019

MSD Animal Health has been granted the marketing authorisation in the UK for Bravecto Triuno, a new formulation of Bravecto (fluralaner) for dogs that targets both external and internal parasites.

Bravecto Triuno is approved for the treatment of tick and flea infestations in dogs (Ctenocephalides felis, C. canis, Dermacentor reticulatus, Ixodes hexagonus, Ixodes ricinus, and Rhipicephalus sanguineus).

It is also approved for the treatment of infections with roundworms (adult stages of Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (L4, immature adult (L5), and adult stages of Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala), for the prevention of heartworm disease (caused by Dirofilaria immitis), and for the prevention of angiostrongylosis (by reduction of the level of infection with immature adult (L5) and adult stages of Angiostrongylus vasorum).

Victoria Miles, UK Companion Animal Director, MSD Animal Health, said: “With this latest formulation of Bravecto, MSD Animal Health is giving veterinarians and dog owners a greater range of convenient options for protecting their dog year-round from parasites, and all from the same trusted Bravecto portfolio.”

She added: “We see Bravecto Triuno as a great option for puppies that require a monthly wormer on top of protection against fleas and ticks.

"This also gives flexibility later on for the dog to remain with the Bravecto brand but be swapped onto a longer-duration flea and tick product with a wormer administered according to a veterinarian’s risk-based assessment.” 

Bravecto Triuno is available as a flavoured chewable tablet indicated for dogs and puppies from 8 weeks of age and at least 1.27 Kg body weight and can be administered monthly to dogs at risk of infestation by multiple types of internal and external parasites.

It contains three anti-parasitic ingredients including fluralaner, which provides activity against ticks and fleas, moxidectin, which provides systemic activity against non-intestinal worms, and pyrantel, which provides activity against intestinal worms.

https://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/?id=-488423 

MWI Animal Health, which supplies more than 3,000 veterinary practices across the UK with pharmaceuticals, equipment and consumables, has become the first company in the UK’s animal health sector to own and operate an electric delivery vehicle.

The company's new van has a range of 146 miles before it needs recharging, and it can be recharged to 80% within 40 minutes.

That puts 60% of MWI's customers within range of its distribution centre in Stoke-on-Trent, including those in Manchester and Birmingham. 

As part of its drive to establish more sustainable operations, MWI has also launched a pilot with one of its corporate customers in which they reduce the number of deliveries made per week – adopting a two or three-day a week delivery system.

The company says that since January, that has resulted in 700,000 fewer vehicle miles.

Purina is urging vet nurses to talk to clients about nutrition, and will be supporting this with various initiatives at BVNA Congress (6th/8th October, Telford)

The company is sponsoring a nurse consultation lecture stream on Friday 6th October and a free workshop - led by Dr Marge Chandler - on Saturday 7th October (11.30 – 13.00 in lecture hall Beckbury 1).

The Friday lecture stream will cover subjects like building confidence in nurse-led weight clinics and feline consultations.

In the Saturday workshops, Marge will explore how to build nutrition into appointments, negotiate tricky nutritional topics and share tips to save time in consultations.

Attendees will be encouraged to share ideas and expertise while exploring ways to support best patient outcomes.

On the Purina stand, the company will be showcasing its new Purina Institute Handbook of Canine and Feline Clinical Nutrition and its CentreSquare toolkit, which includes scoring charts, tips and articles written by experts covering a range of practical nutrition topics.

Laura Hughes, RVN and Veterinary Nurse Development Manager at Purina, said: “Over 50% of pet owners look to vets and vet nurses to provide nutrition advice¹, so having the confidence and practical ideas to set up and initiate nutrition conversations can make a huge difference to patient outcomes.

"We’re excited to be offering both CPD from a world leading nutritionist as well as practical tools to help put these conversations into action."

References

1. The Paw Report 2023, PDSA. Available at: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/pdsa-animal-wellbeing-report/paw-report-2023?alias=paw-report-2023 (Accessed: 14 August 2023).

Veterinary marketing and public relations agency, Companion Consultancy has launched Companion Design Studio to provide veterinary businesses with all forms of graphic, video and digital design, including magazines, logos, leaflets, posters, websites, emailers, photography, filming, podcasts, and animations.

Companion Consultancy Director Susan Mackay, herself a veterinary surgeon, started Companion Consultancy in 2002.

She said: “We added a design team to the agency two years ago and it’s been fantastic to have this resource available in-house.

"In the digital space people increasingly consume their content as images and sound as much as the written word and it has become key to delivering communication projects that really work.”

VetNurse.co.uk editor Arlo Guthrie said: "I couldn't agree with Susan more. As a news editor, I get a barrage of press releases every day.

"Those with powerful photos or video that will stand out on all the different social media platforms get prioritised.

"Those that have poor images, or none at all tend to get ignored." 

Susan added: “For complex projects we can have one or more of our vets working alongside the designer to get all the technical nuances exactly right.

"Infographics for instance are a great way to overcome language barriers but explaining the complexities of how vaccines work in pictures needs veterinary input and our designers then come up with visual ways to represent those concepts so we can work through those together.

"On simpler projects, clients don’t have to waste time explaining why they don’t want to show a dog wearing a choke chain or carrying a stick, because our designers already bring an additional level of understanding to their work.

"We want to make it clear that you don’t have to be a Companion Consultancy client to benefit from this great resource.”

Companion Design Studio is offering a free, no obligation 30 minute design consultation to the first 10 applicants from the veterinary community who want expert input on their existing branding and how it has been applied, or to gather ideas for new design projects.

www.companiondesignstudio.co.uk or call Tom on 07925 133302.

The British Equine Veterinary Association has announced that its Congress, Europe’s largest equine veterinary event, will take place from 4^th to the 7^th September 2021 at the ICC, Birmingham.

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 13^th 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 60^th 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 19^th 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/