An unprecedented outbreak of fleas and ticks in Britain, posing risks to human and animal health, is being blamed on climate change, the wet summer and tougher strains of pests. Experts also warn the problem is set to worsen as autumn provides ideal conditions for the disease carrying parasites. The warnings are made in a new report: "Infest-Nation: the ProMeris Parasite Report 2007" from Fort Dodge Animal Health. In it, a survey of environmental health officers shows one in six reporting a 200% rise in cases involving fleas and ticks in their borough in the last five years. One in four said their borough was now issuing warnings on the subject to the general public. More than one third of the nationwide sample of 2000 vets, environmental health officers and cat and dog owners questioned noticed a rise in ticks and fleas in the last five years. Key findings included:
The updated guidance follows a public campaign known as ‘Tuk’s Law’, which was started after a healthy dog by that name was euthanased despite its microchip being dually registered with a rehoming centre as a 'rescue backup'.
In response, the RCVS and the BVA agreed that more should be done to prevent occasions where a dog might be needlessly put to sleep, but voiced concerns that a legislative approach could undermine a vet’s clinical judgement, unfairly involve veterinary surgeons in ownership disputes or potential criminality, and leave vets unfairly exposed to financial sanctions.
In consultation with Defra, the RCVS and BVA therefore jointly agreed to strengthen the Code of Professional Conduct as follows:
Chapter 8 (para 8.9)
There may be circumstances where a request is made by a client for the destruction of a dog, where in the clinical/professional judgement of the veterinary surgeon destruction of the dog is not necessary, for instance where there are no health or welfare reasons for the dog to be euthanised.
In these circumstances, before carrying out the request for euthanasia the veterinary surgeon should scan the dog for a microchip and check the relevant database if a microchip is found.
Chapter (paras 29.25 -29.27)
Clients may have a contract with the shelter from which they acquired the dog such that it can be returned to that shelter, and that it may be appropriate to discuss this with them prior to euthanasia. Alternatively, there may be another individual willing to take responsibility for the dog (who may be named on the microchip database), and this may also be discussed with the client.
The updated guidance supports existing best practice in terms of discussing alternatives to euthanasia with clients, and give vets flexibility where, in their professional judgment, scanning is not appropriate; this might be if scanning would itself cause a welfare problem, or where a vulnerable client might be involved.
The RCVS Standards Committee says it recognised the difficulties experienced by veterinary surgeons in dealing with the current microchip database system, but felt that introducing these provisions into the guidance was a more proportionate response than the alternative of legislation with substantial fines.
BVA Senior Vice President Dr Daniella Dos Santos MRCVS said: “One of the most important jobs as a vet is having those difficult conversations with clients about euthanasia where we talk through all the options that are in the animal’s best interests. But where the vet doesn’t consider that euthanasia is necessary, the new guidance clearly sets out the steps we need to take. We support this constructive approach that addresses the campaigners’ concerns without undermining veterinary judgement.”
The RCVS is seeking candidates to run for election to the RCVS and VN Councils.
There are six seats on the RCVS Council and two on the VN Council due to be filled in the 2010 election. Candidate nominations must be received by 31 January 2010; voting papers will then be distributed to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote, the election held in March and the results announced early in May. Those elected will take their seats at RCVS Day in July to serve four-year terms.
Jane Hern, RCVS Registrar said: "Like us or loathe us, what the RCVS does impacts directly on the lives of veterinary surgeons and nurses, their clients and patients. Getting regulation right is something that all Members and Listed/Registered VNs have power to influence.
"We know from the reaction we get when we propose changes or ask for your comments that vets and VNs are not backwards about coming forwards," Jane continued. "There has been a substantial rise in the number of vets voting, since a low point in voter turnout was reached in 2002. So, if you know someone you think is up to the job, why not persuade them to stand?"
All prospective candidates need to provide the signatures and registered/listed addresses of two proposers, and should also submit a short biography, 'manifesto' and photograph for inclusion in the elections booklets. Nobody can nominate more than one candidate, and no current member of the RCVS Council or VN Council may nominate anyone.
Newly elected RCVS Council members should expect to sit on at least one committee which, together with Council attendances, means a time commitment of at least six to eight days a year. Those elected to the VN Council should expect to spend approximately six to eight days attending Council meetings, working parties and subcommittees. Both RCVS Council and VN Council members are permitted to claim certain expenditures arising from Council-related duties and their employers can also claim a standard day-rate for loss of earnings.
Nomination forms and full details relating to RCVS Council nominations can be downloaded from www.rcvs.org.uk/rcvscouncil10 or obtained by contacting the Executive Office (020 7222 0761 or executiveoffice@rcvs.org.uk). Nomination forms and details relating to the VN Council will be online shortly at www.rcvs.org.uk/vncouncil10 and can also be requested from Annette Amato (020 7202 0788 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk).
All nominations must be made in writing on the prescribed form and received by the Registrar on or before the closing date of 31 January 2010.
The company hired Onswitch to call 700 veterinary practices and ask about kennel cough. 43% of callers were told it was up to them whether their dog had a vaccine for CIRD, with no clear recommendation in over 50% of calls.
MSD says that there was very little detailed information given about CIRD or kennel cough or vaccinations, with nothing at all mentioned in 18% of calls.
Whilst 18% of calls mentioned that dogs can contract kennel cough mixing with other dogs, 9% were told that their dog would only need the vaccination if it was going into kennels!
According to the company, vaccination for Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus has declined dramatically during lockdown, with over 350,000 less doses being bought in 2020 vs 2019 April - December1, however the risks are still prevalent, because dogs are still mixing.
Michelle Townley, Veterinary Advisor for the Companion Animal team at MSD Animal Health said: "CIRD, more commonly known as kennel cough, is often mistakenly believed to be only a disease of kennels. The reality is that respiratory pathogens are most commonly transmitted between dogs that mix or share the same air space. This results in risk anywhere where dogs are being social, including parks, groomers and vet practices. Due to this confusion, we recommend referring to the disease with pet owners as contagious canine cough."
She added: "This data reveals a significant amount of confusion in the advice veterinary practices give to dog owners in relation to protection against CIRD,or contagious canine cough. Practice team members have often received no formal training on what to tell dog owners and how to discuss CIRD, so messages vary widely and are not always correct. This data reveals that there is a great opportunity for practices to proactively discuss contagious canine cough as a standard component of the annual vaccination programme and ensure more dogs that socialise with other dogs and are at risk get the protection they need."
For more information on the Nobivac vaccine range, vaccine protocols and product and team training, contact your MSD Account Manager or visit www.nobivacrespirabb.co.uk.
Reference
Kirsty won the BVNA Impact Award for going above and beyond to support and teach others in practice.
Aneesa won the VNJ Writer of the Year Award for articles which have encouraged discussions, or positive change, or improved clinical standards in practice.
Sarah won the Inspiring Environmental Change Award for being a green champion for the veterinary profession, inside and out of practice.
Flick won the #Supportmesupportyou Award for promoting mental health support & equality within the profession.
BVNA President, Jo Oakden said: "What an awards ceremony we had at the BVNA Dinner Dance 2021.
"It was incredible to share some of the finalists videos - they were full of passion and inspiration. Congratulations to all of our nominees for the BVNA Awards, it really was truly a demonstration of veterinary nurses championing veterinary nurses, but an even bigger congratulations to our Awards Winners, for the BVNA Awards, but also the Hills Awards and the Blue Cross Vet Nurse of the year award.
"Be proud, I really am - to be part of such an amazing profession that has an amazing supportive community. Well done all!’
This second edition of the Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses contains a number of notable additions including: surgical and anaesthetic checklists, pain scales for dogs, cats and rabbits, dental recording charts, and PROTECT ME information on antimicrobial resistance.
This edition has been edited by Emma Gerrard (pictured right), who built on the work of Louise O’Dwyer, the editor of the first edition. It condenses knowledge from a range of BSAVA titles, including the BSAVA Textbook of Veterinary Nursing, together with information from a number of external sources.
The BSAVA says the Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses has been put together with an awareness of the value of time in a busy clinical setting. Sections are arranged alphabetically, with cross-references for ease of use.
Ian Ramsey (BSAVA President 2020-2021): “Animals are more likely to get better, and get better faster, if they have good nursing care. This book is packed with the sort of information that allows nurses to deliver that care. It is presented in a format that makes it easy to carry around, but it will find its home at the heart of the clinic.”
The BSAVA Pocketbook for Veterinary Nurses, 2nd edition is now available from the BSAVA website www.bsava.com/shop priced at £15 for BSAVA members and £25 for non-members.
New BSAVA veterinary nurse members, and existing members who renew in 2021, will receive a free copy of the book.
Rachel has also qualified as a member of the dentistry chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, and regularly tends to the oral health of zoo and sanctuary animals, including bears, cheetahs, tigers and snow leopards.
She said: "I’m excited to be joining North Downs, which is renowned as a centre of excellence for specialist veterinary care, and I’m really looking forward to this new role. There is a clear benefit in having a multidisciplinary team on site to approach oral surgery cases.
"Dentistry is such a rewarding area and can deliver immediate changes to our patients’ health and well-being.
"Many dental diseases can also be prevented, so I am committed to educating owners about their pets’ oral health and also veterinary surgeons and nurses, about new techniques, best practice, materials and equipment."
North Downs hospital director Terry Emmerson said: "Our aim is always to provide first-class care for our patients and to give an excellent service to their owners and the vets who refer cases to us.
"Rachel’s new dentistry service will be yet another specialist discipline on offer at North Downs to further extend the excellent care and treatment we offer here."
The appointment means that North Downs has a total of 11 specialist service, and makes it one of only a handful of centres in the UK that offer a dentistry service run by a dentistry specialist.
The RCVS has published a video in which the new President Neil Smith outlines his objectives for the year ahead.
In the video, Neil says the presidential task he most looks forward to is admitting new veterinary surgeons and nurses to the Register. There have been 740 registrations made as part of graduation ceremonies across the UK's seven veterinary schools this summer.
Neil said: "It's a great privilege to welcome these new graduates to the College. Graduation represents a culmination of such a long period of hard work - supported by family, friends and vet school staff. It's also the start of what I hope will be satisfying lifelong careers in a profession that is proud to keep animal health and welfare at its heart.
"I hope that this latest generation of veterinary surgeons will benefit from the broad range of career opportunities available, just as the animal-owning public will benefit from their skills and knowledge."
On graduation, all new veterinary surgeons received a memory stick from the College, which included a Guide for New Members, the Code of Professional Conduct, CPD Record Card, information about the Professional Development Phase, which is mandatory for all new graduates working in clinical practice, and other College publications. If any new graduate did not receive their memory stick, they should contact membership@rcvs.org.uk.
The tool is available to all practices, free of charge.
The downloadable and printable guide chart, which has been created by a number of specialists, will help veterinary surgeons, nurses and receptionists to identify urgent, potentially urgent, non-urgent and delayable cases to help limited veterinary resources be used to best efficiency without compromise to animal health or welfare.
The chart, which can be printed and put on a practice wall or referred to as a webpage via a mobile phone or tablet, has a number of supporting resources produced by the same specialists.
Sue Paterson, BSAVA President, said: “During these exceptional and worrying times veterinary surgeons need as much practical help and support as possible.
"We are hugely grateful for the indefatigable support of an enthusiastic group of volunteers who have rapidly produced this triage tool, which we are now able to share. It should enable patient queries to be processed, reliably and efficiently, allowing for emergency patients to be seen as a matter of urgency, within the current government and RCVS guidelines."
The triage tool is free to download and share: https://www.bsava.com/TriageTool
BSAVA is working on a number of other initiatives to support veterinary professionals during the current crisis, including new guidance on obtaining consent remotely for veterinary treatment. for more information, visit: https://www.bsava.com/adviceforCOVID19
Ceva Animal Health has renamed the veterinary behaviour product DAP as Adaptil, to highlight its key benefit of helping dogs 'adapt' to new situations.
Along with the name change, Ceva is launching a new Adaptil Collar. According to the company, the collar has undergone a number of improvements: it is now easier to fit, due to a new, practical buckle; it has a larger surface area for better diffusion of the pheromone and the Adaptil name is on the collar in print as well as braille.
In addition to the new name, both Adaptil and Feliway are having a packaging makeover to make them more consumer friendly. Packaging will now feature pictograms of situations in which the products should be used, encouraging dog and cat owners to use the product ranges appropriately.
Ceva will be offering pet owners a free limited edition Adaptil Frisbee for every Adaptil Collar bought from their local participating veterinary practice. The company is also running an online competition from 17 June until 17 July on the company's secrettohappypets.com website. Pet owners will have the opportunity to win a weekend for two with their pet in a Best Western pet-friendly hotel by submitting a story on why their pet deserves a weekend away.
Julia Wood, product manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "We have listened to feedback given on our pheromone range from both pet owners and veterinary professionals. The launch of Adaptil and the marketing support that we are putting behind both Adaptil and Feliway will boost awareness of the pheromones and their benefits amongst pet owners and further enhance their standing as the UK's leading veterinary behaviour products."
For more information, please contact your Ceva account manager or call 01494 781510.
A PR headache for Fortnum and Mason yesterday, as PETA employee Abi Izzard changed her name by deed poll to StopFortnumandMasonFoieGrasCruelty.com to try and shame the London store into stopping selling foie gras.
To produce foie gras, birds are force-fed several times per day in a controversial practice known as gavage, which causes their livers to swell to many times their normal size. PETA claims the practice causes the birds' livers to become diseased, that many animals bleed to death after their throats are punctured by force-feeding tubes, that surviving birds live in terror as they await the next assault, and become sick and lethargic.
However, Dr. Daniel Guemene, Director of Research & Senior Scientist at the National Agronomic Institute in France, says his research proves otherwise. In one study for example, stress levels in force-fed birds were guaged through the measurement of corticosterone blood levels. The study concluded that there was no significant increase in stress levels, except after the first instance of force-feeding, which researchers said was most likely due to holding the ducks, rather than the force-feeding. In addition, he claims to have demonstrated that ducks show no avoidance behaviour to the force-feeder or force-feeding, as would be expected if they feared these things.
The actor Roger Moore is a supporter of this girl's campaign. He said: "Many people know me as James Bond or 007, but I never went so far as officially changing my name from Roger Moore. I hope the young lady now known as StopFortnumAndMasonFoieGrasCruelty.com royally shames this store".
Vets Now is inviting all veterinary nurses attending this year's BVNA to disco down to their disco themed stand and take part in the Vets Now prize draw for a chance to win a £500 shopping trip with a personal shopper. Whether it's a high fashion trip to Harvey Nick's, a day spent browsing the rails of Top Shop, or a trolley dash round Primark, whoever wins the competition will get to choose the shop where they want to spend the £500 and have a personal shopper on hand to put these all important outfits together. The main BVNA Congress is the only event of its kind in the UK for veterinary nurses and practice staff, attracting over 1,000 delegates and 100 exhibitors. This annual event takes place this year at Kettering Conference Centre on Friday to Sunday, October 10-12, with BVNA members benefiting from considerable discounts on registration. Vets Now will be at stands 114 and 115 at BVNA.
Becky Hussey has been announced as the winner of the 2011 Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor of the Year Award. Second prize was awarded to Sian Ferris from The Smart Clinic in Cardiff and third place to Lana Goulding of Claremont Vet Group, Bexhill-on-Sea.
The PHC of the Year scheme has been running for over sixteen years and this year saw a record number of entrants for judge and well-known pet behaviourist Sarah Heath, BVSc, MRCVS, to assess. As part of the initiative, participants receive specialist training of a wide variety of topics, highly relevant to veterinary nurses' growing involvement in veterinary practice. The original aim of the PHC programme was to help veterinary nurses to improve their knowledge and skills to enable them to be even more confident when advising clients and developing clinics. Whilst this aim still holds true, a veterinary nurse achieving PHC status is now widely recognised as a valuable asset to a practice, as well as significantly enhancing personal development.
Becky's entry this year detailed the many activities she undertakes, in addition to her daily duties, at the practice where she works. They included various client pet clinics, a "Choose a pet" advice service, client competitions, numerous advertorials to help raise the practice group's profile and lots of charity fund-raising. She was also part of the team whose hard work resulted in the practice being granted RCVS Accreditation.
Pet owners who believe in preventative healthcare have maintained or increased the money they spend on their pets this year, and 84% visited their vet at least once in 2010, up from 78% in 2007, according to a survey commissioned by the National Office of Animal Health.
According to the survey of 1000 owners carried out by Noesis, 44% of 'preventers' increased their spending on their pets in the last year with only a very small number (5%) decreasing it. There has also been a significant increase in the number of dogs insured by this group since 2007, which now stands at 55% compared to 41% in 2007.
The research covered both 'preventer' and 'non-preventer pet owners and sought to understand: awareness of preventative medicine in cats and dogs; how the decision is made as to what areas of preventative medicine are important and which to adopt; what types of preventative medicine are carried out and the reasons and frequency of this behaviour as well as the sources of information.
In addition to visiting their vet more frequently and spending more on their pets, preventers also visited a pet shop significantly more often than non-preventers with nearly two thirds (61%) of preventers visiting at least once a month compared to 36% of non-preventers, a figure that has decreased from 43% in 2007.
Looking at specific preventative treatments, attitudes to vaccination had not changed between the 2007 and 2010 surveys, with preventers believing that being a responsible pet owner means regularly vaccinating your pet, while non-preventers did not believe vaccination was relevant to their situation. This points to a clear need to educate non-preventers to break habits that have sometimes been handed down from generation to generation.
Most owners from both groups had used a flea treatment on their pets in the past two years although 68% of preventers were much more proactive in their usage of flea products compared to only 40% of non-preventers. Cats (80%) are more likely to have been treated than dogs (69%) among both groups of owners although flea treatment of cats has significantly decreased among non-preventers since 2007.
Use of wormers was also in decline. Although 86% of preventers worm proactively as part of a healthcare routine for their pet, this figure has decreased from 96% in 2007. Non preventers chose not to worm because they did not see the need, citing reasons such as their pet being fit and well or not going outdoors. Likewise, although preventers are more likely than non-preventers to be aware of the zoonotic implications of pet parasites, this awareness had decreased since 2007 pointing to the need for more work to be done on this aspect of pet health. On a more upbeat note, those that were worming proactively wormed their pets more frequently with 50% worming at least every three months in 2010 which was significantly more than compared to 41% in 2007.
When asked where they obtained general healthcare advice, the vet was the most frequently cited source of information with 84% of preventers and 58% of non-preventers referencing their vet. The internet is an increasingly important information channel for non-preventers with almost a third (31%) citing it as their source for pet healthcare advice, an increase from 25% in 2007.
There was huge interest from both groups (87% of preventers and 79% of non-preventers) in using a dedicated website such as NOAH's http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/ which 10% of the pet owners surveyed had heard of. It was welcomed for providing easy access, immediate, independent advice and being written by veterinary experts.
Commenting on the research, Phil Sketchley, chief executive of NOAH said: "We commissioned the original piece of research in 2007 to understand the differences between both groups of pet owners and understand where they sourced their information in order to influence the pet healthcare habits of the non-preventers in particular. The importance of the internet as a source of information proved that our strategy to launch http://www.pethealthinfo.org.uk/ was on target and the latest survey shows that this channel is increasingly important, particularly among non-preventers.
"The 2011 survey also reveals some positive insights into the preventative healthcare habits of those pet owners that we termed preventers. This group are more likely to insure their pet (45% vs 12%), go to the vet at least once a year (84% vs 30%) and visit a pet shop at least on a monthly basis (61% vs 36%). And, as a final piece of good news, this group have increased their total spend on their pets in the last year and very few members of either group had decreased their spend.
"Whilst all pet owners consider themselves responsible clearly some do not see regular preventative healthcare as part of that responsibility. So there remains a clear need to educate pet owners, particularly the non-preventers, to change some of the patterns of behaviour and complacency regarding their pet's health that have become entrenched and seem to have been influenced by friends and family."
CPD Solutions has announced the winners of the competition held on vetnurse.co.uk to find the best nursing stories.
The overall winner was Alison Devonshire from the Orwell Veterinary Group, who wins a free place on CPD Solutions' Nursing Exotic Animals course. The runners up were Carrie Apps from South Beech Veterinary Surgery, and Donna Lewis from Pet Care Veterinary Surgery. Both win a luxury champagne and chocolate gift box.
The stories were:
Winner: Alison Devonshire. "Superpug, Superpug!" It was only a few weeks ago that during a particularly hectic morning surgery me and my colleagues were in the prep room, gasping for a cuppa, after a morning of dentals, dematts and dog castrates, that a flustered receptionist called through to say that a client had phoned in on her way to the practice, with her dog who had just fallen from a second floor window.
Cups of tea were put on hold and the crash box was positioned ready, with trainee nurses squabbling over who would get to use the case for a fist aid procedure in their portfolio.
The duty vet and I waited at the reception to help the client in. She arrived soon after and appeared to be hysterical with concern over the bundle in her arms (who was proudly wagging his curled tail and trying to get down to check out the waiting room!) It was only at this point did myself and the vet notice, that the Dog, a large fawn pug, was wearing a lycra "Superman" suit! After gleaning some history from the client (yes, he had fallen from a second floor window and she found him lying on the lawn, motionless) we took the dog through to the prep room for a full clinical examination leaving the client with a sympathetic receptionist and a box of tissues.
Once in the prep room, realising that the poor pug was certainly in no imminent danger, did we allow ourselves a fit of giggles! Altogether now: "Superpug, superpug, does whatever a superpug does. Can he fly through the air? No he can't, he's a pug!"
I removed the offending costume and after a full clinical exam, superpug was evidently fit as a flea, infact he appeared to be quite excited by the whole debacle. We opted to keep him in for observation for a few hours to be safe and let him and his owner calm down.
Of course superpug was sent home and seen the next morning for a recheck, again he was absolutely fine. Again he was wearing his superpug outfit!
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Runner Up: Donna Lewis My story takes us back to winter almost two years ago now. It was a busy morning surgery, the same as most and I was duty nurse. Our receptionist came through to the cattery carrying a cat basket and plonked it on the table in front of me and said the Cats Protection League would like a normal cremation!!
I picked up the basket and carried it through to another room, opened the basked and had a look at what appeared to be a dead black and white cat. I removed it from the basket and my goodness it was frozen, absolutely never in all my years (almost 25 of them) have I seen a frozen body (well not one that hasn't been in the cold storage). The poor thing I thought, as I looked a little closer, I saw the slightest chest movement!! I couldn't feel a heart beat he really did appear to be frozen solid, then I thought I saw another very slight movement. I called for backup, this frozen cat that laid before me wasn't dead......well not yet anyway.
I then proceeded to defrost him. I wasn't really 100% sure if I should do it fast or slowly, so I warmed heat pads and got reflector beds and with the help of a hairdryer that I use to circulate warm air around the kennel, this cat started to defrost. By 5pm that very same day he was sitting up and eating.
This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. This cat stayed with us for a while and was taken home to live with my boss and his family. His name is very suitably "Frosty".
Runner Up: Carrie Apps I always knew there would be exotic patients at South Beech. I often sat in the waiting room with my own animals and figured that one out. Parrots and lizards were quite normal and I was expecting a few on my first day. I wasn't expecting Elvis.
Elvis was fairly small, about the size of a small dog, he was skinny and had gone bald. His owner had bought him in at the weekend, as Elvis was diabetic and had collapsed. Over the weekend Elvis was stabilised and was much stronger and, although he was still very weak from muscle wastage, he was still strong enough to need two nurses to pin him down, with another to hold an arm and a vet to take a blood sample, to measure his glucose.
Halfway through my first day the head nurse Rachel, asked me ‘have you seen Elvis yet?' I had no idea who she was talking about. ‘Elvis?' I replied. ‘He's in Consulting Room 1'. Rachel and Linda, another nurse, started telling the horror stories; ‘Elvis was nearly dead at the weekend but has perked up a lot now, he's very strong, it takes two of us to hold him, he bit his owners finger off and he had to have a blood test they have horrible diseases'. ‘Yeah' finished Rachel, ‘you can help us soon, we need to take blood for a glucose test. You can hold the arm.' After this, I was thinking, me? I have been here for 4 hours, I've never even seen blood being taken and you want me to help you get a raving Elvis out of his cage and hold an arm while you take blood. Well I suppose they wanted to see what I was made of, and I wanted to help them.
The two nurses prepared me well, explaining exactly what would happen. I was nervous when Linda and Rachel took him out. We were all done up to the eye balls in PPE (I was thinking, people keep these as pets?!? Rachel and Linda held Elvis down, wrapped in a towel, the vet pulled me out an arm and showed me where to raise the vein. He took the blood and I applied pressure to the injection site, to prevent haemorrhage. Safely back in his cage Elvis was being all sweet again, taking food from us and chatting.
It was definitely a first day to remember and 2 years on Elvis is doing well and still visits us, although he is much stronger now (we can't remove him from his carrier, it would probably take 4 nurses) and he is much hairier (we occasionally shave his arm through the cage so the owners can administer the insulin). But 2 years on I am still enjoying my job as a student veterinary nurse. Even though I learn something new every day, I will never ever forget my first day meeting Elvis, the Capuchin monkey.
Axiom Veterinary Laboratories and Woodley Equipment Company have announced a partnership which the companies say will mean they can offer a comprehensive solution encompassing referral laboratory services and in-house diagnostic testing, with significant cost savings for practices.
Steve Clarke, Business Development and Marketing Manager for Axiom said: "After an exhaustive search we believe that we have found a partner in Woodley that shares our drive and ambition in delivering a first class solution to practices along with service backup. We offer a cost-effective, quality service with flexibility, fast turnaround times including a free of charge courier service across many parts of the UK and Ireland. We believe that in the current economic climate it is an ideal time for practices to review both their referral laboratory service and their in-house equipment provision."
Mike Wickham, Managing Director of Woodley Equipment Company added: "We offer a wide range of equipment, tailored to the size of the practice, workload and specialty. In partnering with Axiom Veterinary Laboratories we are able to offer a complete package including exclusive and very competitive discount structures for practices.
Both companies with be exhibiting at the forthcoming WSAVA conference in Birmingham (Axiom stand 418 and Woodley Equipment Company stand 718).
This new injectable fluralaner formulation is approved for the immediate and persistent killing of fleas for one year (Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis), from 3 days to 12 months after treatment for the ticks Ixodes ricinus, and Dermacentor reticulatus, from 4 days to 12 months after treatment for Rhipicephalus sanguineus, and from 7 days to 12 months after treatment for Ixodes hexagonus.
MSD says it will also reduce the risk of Babesia canis via transmission by Dermacentor reticulatus from day 3 after treatment for up to 12 months, and also reduces the risk of infection with Dipylidium caninum via transmission by Ctenocephalides felis for up to 12 months.
Victoria Miles, UK Companion Animal Business Unit Director, MSD Animal Health said: “Imagine not having to worry about flea and tick protection for a whole year.
Bravecto 150 mg/ml powder and solvent for suspension for injection for dogs can be administered to dogs and puppies six months of age and older.
The product is already available in France and Germany and MSD told VetNurse.co.uk that stocks are expected in the UK in September, for which the company is now taking pre-orders.
Contact your MSD Account Manager for further information on pricing.
The company says that with an estimated 3.2 million UK households welcoming a new pet into their family home during lockdown1, many experienced and new dog owners will be unaware of the risks to their dog of CCC when it socialises, hence the new risk assessment tool, which is available at: https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/KBPH/contagious-canine-cough-risk-assessment.
The risk assessment campaign will be supported with 'Does your dog ...' posters for vets, information and advice for dog owners on the website and a social media campaign encouraging dog owners to spread the information to other dog owners.
Carley Chutter, Nobivac(r) Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "With so many new dog owners now socialising more, taking their dogs on holiday and even considering taking their dogs into the office, protecting their dogs as they socialise is vital.
"Currently only an estimated 1 in 3 vaccinated dogs in the UK are also covered against Bordetella2 so the 'Ask us to protect your dog' resources offers the chance for practices to start the conversation about protection with clients.
"A common barrier to vaccinating against CCC is the belief that it is only necessary for dogs going into kennels, rather than all social dogs. Most dogs meet others, however, while out walking, during training, or while attending the vets, CCC is infectious even at low levels. Indeed, dogs can be asymptomatic but infectious.
"So, improving protection levels against this disease which is distressing for both the owner and dog, is important in both reducing the risk of outbreaks and the need for antibiotic treatment."
Nobivac(r) Respira Bb injectable vaccine against Bordetella bronchiseptica, gives 12 months protection when used as a single-dose booster in dogs previously vaccinated with Nobivac(r) KC. Dogs not previously vaccinated against Bordetella bronchiseptica require two doses administered four weeks apart. Duration of immunity is 7 months after the primary course and 12 months after a booster with Nobivac(r) Respira Bb. It may also be given 12 months after a primary course in cases where the 7 months dose is missed.
To support the use of Nobivac(r) Respira Bb a range of tools are available to practices and further information can be found at www.nobivacrespiraBb.co.uk, or contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
References
The partnership between the Webinar Vet and Bought By Many will offer vet nurses the opportunity to access online, curated training programs for free. This should help those whose training programmes have been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdown, plus those who find CPD training a financial burden.
Anthony Chadwick, founder of The Webinar Vet said: “I am delighted to be partnering with Bought by Many in providing 10,000 CPD packages for nurses and student nurses. Since starting The Webinar Vet in 2010, it's been my objective to provide high quality training to vets and nurses to make them more confident in their place of work. It's amazing to see Bought by Many step up at this challenging time to provide such a generous gift to my nursing colleagues. I am very grateful on their behalf.” Steven Mendel, CEO and Co-founder of Bought By Many, said: “Our mission is to improve pet insurance and to help owners access high-quality treatment for their pets. An important part of that includes working closely with the veterinary community to ensure they feel supported to provide the best care available for the nation’s pets. We are proud to support vet nurses with their professional development because we recognise the vital work they do as part of the veterinary care ecosystem to keep our pets healthy and happy.“
Sarah James, Qualified Veterinary Nurse and Bought By Many’s Vet Relationship & Technical Claims Manager, said: “As a former vet nurse, I know the huge importance of CPD. But I also know how difficult it is to find time to study. This online course solves that problem, and at zero cost to nurses, the traditional barriers to professional development are completely removed."
To register for the CPD, visit: https://www.thewebinarvet.com/pages/bought-by-many-vet-nurse-free-cpd
First and foremost the Association says the profession should only provide urgent and emergency care, that is treatment which cannot wait three weeks.
The Association also highlights in the importance of veterinary nurses leading by example when it comes to social distancing.
Other advice includes:
Splitting teams to the absolute minimum you need in your practice. Try and keep the same teams together to minimise cross over
Triage and take history over the phone. Consider using video calls to consult remotely.
Encourage clients to email prescription requests, give yourselves more time to achieve this – your standard 24-hour turnaround can be adapted!
If you are posting prescriptions, aim to reduce this to one postal drop off each week.
Encourage clients to wait in the car until you are ready for them to come in for their appointment and consider only bringing the pet into the clinic.
Encourage payments over the phone and avoid cash transactions where possible.
Work from home as much as possible.
Reduce the footfall of clients to your practice, protect your staff. Be responsible for encouraging the public to not come into the vets unless it is an emergency.
Practice good infection control procedures. We are nurses, we are better than most at this!
BVNA President, Jo Hinde said: "I implore all veterinary staff to follow current advice and make changes so you can do your bit to limit the spread of Covid-19. These government-imposed restrictions are non-negotiable for the next three weeks. Let’s all work together to help save lives and be a part of the solution and not the problem."
The BVNA offers further support for veterinary nurses in the form of the members advisory service, and for nurses facing financial hardship, the Daphne Shipman Benevolent fund.
The results of a new study1 highlighting the prevalence of Angiostrongylus vasorum infection as seen by UK veterinary surgeons, combined with the low awareness amongst dog owners of this parasite2 has led Bayer Animal Health to launch a nationwide 'Be Lungworm Aware' initiative.
Backed by a hard-hitting national advertising, PR and radio campaign which kicks off in April, the initiative aims to highlight the prevalence of this potentially, and often fatal infection, and to drive pet owners to their veterinary practices for further information.
The initiative also sees the launch of a new educational website for dog owners - http://www.lungworm.co.uk/. The site offers further information on the infection, including likely signs, how to obtain treatment and a video of the lifecycle of the parasite showing the threat posed by the lungworm's intermediate hosts - slugs and snails.
The study revealed that 16% of vets questioned had one or more confirmed cases of the disease. A further 10% had seen dogs that they suspected had the infection. However, only 6% of dog owners questioned in a UK wide survey had unprompted awareness of the parasite.
Bayer's Chris White said: "These results are no surprise following the reports last year of confirmed cases of Angiostrongylus vasorum as far north as Glasgow. The disease has seen a rapid rise in importance over the past few years highlighted by the number of vets and nurses that attended the Advocate CPD meetings held around the country at the end of last year.
"The 'Be Lungworm Aware' initiative aims to educate owners on the risks associated with infection, to encourage them to visit their vet for further information and discuss their dogs' parasite protection plan."
For further details, or to order the supporting practice materials, including a new educational waiting room display and practice PR pack to help raise awareness locally, please contact your Bayer representative or ring 01635 563682.
1Insight Track, 2008 2Insight Track, 2009
Mr Lomax was found guilty of causing death by careless driving at Shrewsbury Crown Court in July 2019 and was subsequently sentenced to a 12-month community order, 300 hours’ unpaid work, 15-months’ driving disqualification and ordered to pay £1,000 in prosecution costs and victim surcharge of £85.
Mr Lomax declared his conviction to the RCVS in April 2020 as part of his declaration upon renewing his registration, following which the RCVS started its concerns investigation process leading to his appearance before the Disciplinary Committee last Monday.
At the outset of the hearing Mr Lomax admitted the charge against him, which was also accepted by the Committee based on its receipt of the certificate of conviction from Shrewsbury Crown Court.
The Committee then considered whether the conviction rendered Mr Lomax unfit to practise. The RCVS submitted that the nature of the conviction and the devastating consequences of Mr Lomax's conduct, which caused the death of a 64-year-old woman, rendered him unfit to practise.
The College also submitted that his conduct would be considered to have fallen far short of the standard expected of a member of the profession, that it had devastating consequences, and that the conviction would have an impact on the reputation of the profession and the public’s confidence in it.
Mr Lomax’s counsel, who represented him during the hearing, submitted that he did not accept his conduct rendered him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon, although Mr Lomax did accept that the impact of his conduct was devastating.
Mr Lomax’s counsel submitted that there was a significant difference between his conduct and its consequences, as evidenced by the fact he was charged with careless driving rather than dangerous driving meaning that, though his standard of driving had fallen below that expected of a competent and careful driver, it did not fall far below. Nor was there a suggestion that Mr Lomax had carried out a deliberate act, was carrying out any dangerous manoeuvres or was otherwise impaired.
Dr Martin Whiting, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “There is no doubt that the consequences of Mr Lomax’s conduct were serious and tragic for the [victim’s] family.
"The Judge at the Crown Court referred to their loss in detail and it no doubt played a significant part in the sentence he passed, as reflected by his comments.
"The Committee was cognisant, however, of the different role it had to perform.
"A criminal conviction marks a breach of criminal law, whereas a finding of unfitness marks a breach of professional standards.
"When looking at the conviction, the Committee focused on the actual conduct of Mr Lomax and the concomitant level of culpability, rather than the consequences. Whilst it would be artificial, insensitive and inappropriate to ignore the consequences, the Committee was concerned with the conduct.”
He added: “The Committee did not consider that Mr Lomax’s conduct was liable to have a seriously detrimental effect on the reputation of the profession and concluded that the public, in full knowledge of the circumstances of this particular case, would not expect a finding that the conviction renders him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon.
"Rather, the public would recognise that whilst the consequences were appalling for the [victim’s] family, in terms of Mr Lomax’s culpability this was a momentary piece of poor driving rather than anything more blameworthy. At its height it was careless driving for three or so seconds.
"In the Committee’s view Mr Lomax’s careless behaviour fell below, but not far below, the standard expected of a veterinary surgeon and did not amount to disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.”
The full findings of the Disciplinary Committee can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Mr Murray was charged that he had been convicted of affray at Birmingham Crown Court in 2021 - to which he had pleaded guilty - and given nine months in prison.
Mr Murray applied for anonymity at the start of the disciplinary hearing, which was refused when the Committee decided there were no special circumstances which would justify anonymity.
The Committee considered whether or not the charge rendered him unfit to practise as a veterinary nurse.
Counsel for the RCVS submitted that the conviction was for a serious public order offence in relation to an incident in which another person was left seriously injured.
Although Mr Murray was not directly responsible for the injury, RCVS Counsel submitted that he had brought the profession into disrepute and that his conduct therefore left him unfit to practise.
The Committee took into account that Mr Murray’s involvement in the public order incident was not premeditated, that it took place before his registration as a veterinary nurse, that no injury was caused directly by him nor was he carrying an offensive weapon and that the offence was not gang-related.
However, it did consider that his role in the incident was serious enough to warrant a custodial sentence and that serious physical injuries were sustained by an individual during the incident.
Hilary Lloyd, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee assessed the incident to be serious, taking into account its nature and circumstances as set out above.
"It led to serious physical injuries inflicted by a sword in a public place.
"Children were present at the scene at one point, as remarked upon by the Judge.
“The Committee considered the wider public interest.
"Taking into account the view of the reasonable member of the public who is well-informed of all the facts and evidence in the case, the Committee was satisfied that the Respondent’s behaviour and conviction brings the veterinary nursing profession into disrepute.
"To find otherwise would undermine public confidence in the profession and fail to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour.”
Having found serious professional misconduct, the Committee then considered the most appropriate sanction for Mr Murray.
In terms of aggravating factors, it found that Mr Murray’s conviction involved recklessness and the risk of injury to a human being.
In mitigation, it considered that: there was no risk or actual harm to an animal; that no concerns had been raised about his competence or the quality of his practice; his relative youth at the time of the incident; the fact he had both pleaded guilty to the charge and had disclosed the conviction to the RCVS at the first opportunity; his cooperation with the regulatory process and the fact that he had shown insight and made efforts to remediate the past offending and avoid repetition of the offending behaviour.
The Committee also considered a positive testimonial from the practice where he was employed which attested to his integrity, as well as from a mental health prison chaplain who had supported him during his time in custody and with whom he continued to work to support other young offenders on their release from custody.
Taking all the facts and circumstances into consideration, the Committee decided that it would be most appropriate to take no further action against Mr Murray.
Hilary added: “This was not a case involving any risk to animals.
"The risk of repetition of the offence is minimal.
"The Committee therefore considered the demands of the public interest, namely the need to uphold proper standards of conduct and behaviour and to maintain confidence in the profession and in the regulatory process.
"The Committee considered that in light of the significant insight and remediation shown, and the minimal risk of repeating the behaviour which led to the conviction, the Committee was not satisfied that the public interest required a sanction to protect it.
"The Committee decided that the demands of the public interest were adequately marked and served by the finding already made that the conviction rendered the respondent unfit to practise.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Ms Mulvey faced a total of nine charges against her:
Ms Mulvey did not respond to the charges, was not present at the hearing and was not represented.
She told the College that she couldn't attend for health reasons, but did not then provide any medical evidence and did not apply for a remote hearing, which was offered.
She had appeared before the Disciplinary Committee twice previously, facing a number of similar charges.
In 2016/2017, Ms Mulvey admitted all charges she was faced with and was found guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.
The Committee then decided to postpone the sanction for a period of one year.
In 2019, Ms Mulvey appeared before the Committee for the resumed sanction hearing and faced further new charges relating to failures to provide clinical history, failing to communicate with clients, failing to respond to requests for information from the College concerning complaints made against her, continuing professional development and indemnity insurance.
Ms Mulvey admitted the new charges and that she was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect, for which she was struck off for six months.
Taking into account the fact that this was not Ms Mulvey’s first time before the Committee, as well as new accompanying evidence, the Committee considered the facts of each subsection of each charge individually.
The Committee found all charges proved, apart from one subsection of charge 1.
The Committee then went on to decide if Ms Mulvey was guilty of disgraceful conduct in a professional respect, noting that it was entitled to consider the facts on a cumulative basis.
In other words, whilst any one charge may not fall far below the relevant standard expected of a veterinary surgeon on a standalone basis, it may when considered in conjunction with other failings that have been found proved.
The Committee found a number of aggravating factors in the case, including actual injury to animals (including death and amputation), dishonesty, breach of trust, sustained behaviour, disregard of the role of the RCVS, lack of insight by the defendant and previous adverse findings.
There were no mitigating factors.
The Committee then went on to decide upon a sanction.
Paul Morris, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee found that Dr Mulvey has demonstrated a wilful disregard for the role of her regulator and the systems that regulate the profession which are designed to ensure animal welfare.
"She has failed to learn from, or respond to in any meaningful way, her previous appearances before her regulator and advice given.
"The instant charges found proved dated back to shortly after the earlier suspension had elapsed.
"The Committee further noted that, if a period of suspension were to be imposed, at the end of the suspension Dr Mulvey would be entitled to resume practice without any preconditions.
“This is a case involving serious malpractice.
"It was sustained over a period of time.
"It followed previous adverse findings for almost identical failures.
"From as long ago as 2013, Dr Mulvey was given ample opportunity and support to remedy the deficiencies in her practice, which she squandered.
"Dr Mulvey’s conduct had very serious consequences for animal welfare.
"She continued, and continues, to display a wilful disregard for her responsibilities as a veterinary surgeon under the Code of Professional Conduct.
"Dr Mulvey’s conduct was a gross departure from the conduct expected of a veterinary surgeon.
“Dr Mulvey’s disgraceful conduct is so serious that removal from the Register is the only means of protecting animals and the wider public interest which includes protection of the public, the maintenance of public confidence in the profession, and the upholding of standards.”
Dr Mulvey has 28 days from being notified of her removal from the Register to lodge an appeal with the Privy Council.
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings
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