Premier Vet Alliance, a provider of pet health care plans, has announced that having completed its acquisition of Simplyhealth’s animal health business, it is now migrating 2000 practices over to its pet health plan portal. 

The company says that practices transferring to its pet health plan portal will be able to take greater control of their pet health plans and benefit from a range of innovative services for the same cost. They include the VMD-approved Post2Pet home delivery service, a messaging system to advise clients on applying products, attending appointments or renewing prescriptions, reporting to give practice leaders the insights they need to drive plan performance, the ability for pet owners to sign up online rather than visit the practice, and 24/7 access to a marketing hub and the Premier Vet Alliance Learning Academy.

Premier Vet Alliance’s Business Development Director Andy Taylor said: "We are excited to be offering our high performing Premier Pet Care Plan to the many new practices joining us following our acquisition of Simplyhealth’s animal health business. 

"We are working to make the transition seamless and believe that our new customers will be delighted at the expanded range of functionality our portal offers them, together with the reduced administrative burden.  We will continue to invest in its development to ensure that all of our customers can be sure that their pet health plan offers the most powerful set of tools and services available to help them drive up the profitability of their practice, while offering gold standard care to their patients and peace of mind to their clients."

For more information, visit: https://premiervetalliance.com/uk/ 

CVS has announced that from the start of March, it will provide free tampons and towels for all staff whilst at work. 

The company says it estimates that 75% of its staff have periods and many will find themselves caught short without a pad or tampon when they have an earlier or heavier period than expected.

This can be very embarrassing and stressful, so tampon/towel dispensing machines are being installed in the loos at every CVS veterinary practice and site in the UK.

Helen Finney, Group HR Director at CVS, said: “We want to provide dignity and peace of mind for all of the colleagues who work at CVS.

"We wouldn't expect colleagues to have to bring their own toilet paper to work.

"So those who experience periods shouldn't fear being caught short either.

"In a busy practice it can be difficult to ask a colleague if they have a tampon or towel, or to find time to go out to buy supplies.

“By providing free period products to colleagues while at work, we are seeking to help in one small but meaningful way.”

When one stops to think about this (albeit as the male editor of a veterinary website), it is something of a wonder that it has taken this long. Helen's quote about loo paper hits the nail on the head. Why do all work loos not have period products by default?

The RCVS is to hold its fourth Mental Health Research Symposium at the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Tuesday 10th October.  

The symposium will be launched by Dr Leah Quinlivan (pictured right), a research fellow and chartered psychologist at the University of Manchester.

Her talk ‘Evidence-based care for people who have self-harmed: risk prediction, psychosocial assessments, and aftercare’, will outline the importance of improving mental health services for patients who have harmed themselves, via discussion of evidence, policy, and practice for risk prediction, psychosocial assessment, and aftercare.

Leah's talk will be followed by presentations delivered by veterinary mental health researchers from across the UK and Europe.

Topics will include post-Covid wellbeing amongst veterinary professionals, the impact of companion animal euthanasia, workplace stressors and how they change with career stage, and the quality of mental health support received by veterinary nurses.  

Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative project manager, said: “This year, the event promises once more to be a supportive and thought-provoking event, where we can gather to share findings, information and best practice for the good of the professions.

“The recent publication of MMI’s five-year strategy has outlined our recognition that we need to expand the conversation beyond mental health awareness and into looking at more systemic and cultural issues, as well as exploring how the insights gained from research might be implemented in practice.

"These ambitious aims are reflected in the breadth of the talks and presentations at the symposium and so I look forward to hearing more from those who share our values and aims, and to continuing the conversation about how and where we can do more.

The RCVS has published the results of its fifth coronavirus survey which was conducted with veterinary practices towards the end of the England-wide lockdown in November 2020.

The survey was sent to all UK veterinary practices on the 25th November with a deadline to respond by the 1st December and received 186 responses, a response rate of 6%.

The survey found that during this period:

• There was a fall in the number of veterinary practices reporting ‘business as usual’ to 17%, compared to 28% in the last survey conducted in September.
• There was an increase in the percentage of practices with at least some staff working remotely, with 37% of respondents saying yes to this question, compared to a notably lower 26% in September.
• There was a small increase in respondents reporting that their practice was using remote consulting, from 50% to 58%, although this was still notably lower than in June, when it stood at 80%.
• Although just 6% of practices reported they had veterinary surgeons currently furloughed, compared to 10% in September and 47% in June, there had been a notable increase since September in the percentage of respondents reporting adverse impacts from furloughing. In particular, 75% reported increased stress or impact on the mental health of teams continuing to work, notably higher than in September (56%) and almost as high as in June (79%). In total, eight of the ten adverse impacts have increased since September, and the percentage of respondents reporting no or minimal issues, at 14%, was notably lower than in September (26%) and only slightly higher than in June (12%).
• Although some practices were still experiencing difficulties in obtaining certain sorts of supplies, those reporting no issue had increased to 34%, compared to 13% in September.
• Of the 20% of respondents who said they were experiencing difficulty in obtaining an independent witness to attest to controlled drugs destruction during the pandemic, more than half (56%) had controlled drugs overdue for destruction for six months or more.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS CEO, said: “Thank you once again to all the practice staff who took the time to complete this survey, it really is very useful for us to have a clear picture of how coronavirus and its restrictions are affecting day-to-day activities, as it has an impact both on our decision-making and policies, and what we can tell others about the impact on the professions, such as the UK and national governments.

"The overall picture from this survey is that, while for most it is not business as usual, veterinary practices and members of the professions are, to an extent, getting used to the disruption and have plans and policies in place to help mitigate the impact of the mosaic of different restrictions across the UK.

"While there is hope on the horizon with the start of the roll-out of coronavirus vaccines, we will continue to review and keep up-to-date our advice and guidance to ensure that you can practise to the best of your abilities, while keeping safe and within the rules.

“Of course, we also recognise the toll that the pandemic has taken on many people’s mental health and wellbeing, and this is reflected in some of the more concerning statistics around the impact that staff absences can have on the rest of the team.

"We also asked practices what might help them manage from a staff mental health and wellbeing point of view, and will take these suggestions into account when planning further support via our Mind Matters Initiative mental health project. In the meantime, we would like to remind those who are feeling stressed or are in distress that there are sources of help available during these difficult times – these can be found at www.vetmindmatters.org/help-links/help-during-covid-19/.”

The full report of the survey is available to view at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications

Hamilton Specialist Referrals is holding a day of CPD focusing on emergency patients on 23rd May 2024 at the Holiday Inn in High Wycombe. 

The session will provide a practical guide to dealing with various emergencies that may present to vets and nurses across multiple disciplines.

The full schedule includes: 

• The ECC Approach to the Haemoabdomen, presented by Lead HDU Vet and RCVS Advanced Practitioner in Small Animal Emergency and Critical care Dr Bec Hyland  
• Damage Control: Bite Wounds, Severely Infected Wounds and Stick Injuries, presented by Head of Soft Tissue Surgery and European specialist in Small Animal Surgery Dr Karla Lee 
• Medical Management of The Jaundiced Patient, presented by Head of Internal Medicine and European specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine Dr Amanda Paul 
• Anaesthesia Considerations for The Trauma Patient, presented by European specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia Dr Marieke De Vries 
• The Spinal Fracture Patient, presented by European specialist in Veterinary Neurology Dr Pete Smith 
• The Orthopaedic Approach to Open Fractures, presented by Clinical Director and Recognised Diplomat in Small Animal Surgery Dr Michael Hamilton 

Arlene Connor, Interim Hospital Director at Hamilton Specialist Referrals, said: “Being presented with an emergency patient can be an intense and high-pressure situation, and it’s one that all vet professionals should do their best to prepare for so they are comfortable making decisions under pressure.

"We have a brilliant team here at Hamilton Specialist Referrals, all of whom are well equipped and very experienced when it comes to dealing with emergencies and this is an unrivalled opportunity to learn from them.” 

Tickets cost £80+vat, including lunch and refreshments

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-emergency-patient-tickets-861637851007 

www.hamiltonspecialists.vet

The BVA is lobbying the government for business rates relief and other financial support for veterinary practices during the pandemic, arguing that without it many practices may not survive.

As part of the package of measures announced by the Chancellor Rishi Sunak in mid-March, businesses in the retail, hospitality, leisure and childcare sectors are eligible for a 100% business rates holiday for a year in England, Scotland and Wales, offering a vital economic lifeline when many may have had to close or operate with reduced turnover and staffing.  In Northern Ireland, all businesses are eligible for a three-month business rates holiday covering April, May and June.

However, veterinary practices, many of which have remained open to provide essential care and treatment for pets and production animals, are not eligible for business rates relief, despite the fact that many are high street businesses and a significant proportion of their income comes from retailing medicines, treatments and other pet products.

The BVA says it has heard directly from hundreds of members who now fear for their future, and a recent survey released by the RCVS indicates that a quarter of practices have seen their weekly turnover reduced by 75%, and about 66% have seen it halved. 

The Association has written to the Treasury and devolved government departments to ask why the veterinary profession has so far been overlooked for financial support, while other high street businesses that remain open including food retailers, hardware stores and pet shops are eligible for rates relief. 

It has also mobilised its members to contact their local MPs and devolved parliamentarians with their concerns. Several hundred have already downloaded template letters from the BVA website, and parliamentarians representing a wide cross-section of regions and parties have already pledged their support. Ben Lake, MP for Ceredigion, has also tabled a Parliamentary Early Day Motion (#339) recognising the value of vets and pushing for the profession to be given access to business rates relief.

Daniella Dos Santos, BVA President, said: “The Government has repeatedly given thanks to vets for continuing to maintain animal health and welfare and public health and support the food supply chain in these challenging times.  But that makes it all the more disappointing that the profession’s pleas for financial support so far seem to have fallen on deaf ears.  Veterinary practices are rightly remaining open to provide 24/7 essential care and fulfilling their duty to maintain animal health and welfare, but many are struggling to stay afloat as they grapple with dramatic reductions in turnover and scaling back their rotas to keep colleagues and clients safe.

"It’s been really heartening to see that parliamentarians across the political spectrum value their local vets’ role in their communities and have offered to put pressure on the Treasury and devolved governments to give practices access to vital financial support.  We hope that such a strong and united call will be answered soon, and will continue to urge government to help practices to continue their valuable work in these difficult times."

Dr Rodolfo Cappello, an RCVS Specialist in Veterinary Neurology, has opened a referral service in Sevenoaks, Kent. 

Rodolfo said: “We are the only independent specialist veterinary hospital in the area with the equipment and experience to diagnose and manage neurological issues in pets.

"With a custom-built veterinary hospital and the expertise to help vets get the best results for their patients, we will provide the next level of affordable, specialist care for owners and their pets with the transparency that our independent status enables.

“We will work hand in hand with referring vets, consulting with them on the best approach for their clients and always keep them fully updated on progress as each case unfolds.

"Initially, we are offering neurology services, but we plan to quickly upscale our operations and offer other services like orthopaedics soon.”

Pets suffering from symptoms including seizures, pain, difficulty walking and problems with balance and orientation can be referred.

"Any peripheral nervous system problems and neuromuscular diseases outside the spinal cord area can also be identified and treated.

Rodolfo added: “My focus is on pure collaboration with the vets that refer to us and their owners.

"I’m wholeheartedly motivated by providing the very best service at accessible prices.

"With a focus on communication and compassion – we will always work with the first opinion vet to put the best interests of their clients’ pets first.

www.southeastvetreferrals.com

Byotrol has announced the launch of Anigene Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes, the first and only plastic-free surface wipe which is compliant with all biocidal regulations.

Polypropylene or plastic-based wipes, which have been industry standard due to their reliable nature and compatibility with biocidal active materials, are due to be banned in the UK, because they take up to 100 years to break down.

Byotrol says its new wipes are made using a plastic-free 100% biodegradable substrate that deteriorates 3 months after disposal.

The company adds that the new wipes are proven to destroy bacteria, yeast, enveloped viruses, and fungi on non-porous surfaces and are effective against animal-specific pathogens such as: Brucella canis, Streptococcus equi, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Coronaviruses, Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Microsporum canis and Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Jane Kiely, Head of Marketing at Byotrol said: “Launching the Anigene Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes is the final step in removing plastic wet wipes from our portfolio and a significant milestone in Byotrol’s sustainability journey.

"We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainability in the veterinary industry, offering an effective and regulatory-compliant product range that meets the needs of our customers”

Byotrol will be on Stand F18 at the London Vet Show.

https://byotrol.com

The VET Festival has announced it will be back next year at Loseley Park, near Guildford on the 20th and 21st May. 

The 2022 programme will include 17 education streams, covering the veterinary and nursing care of companion animals, together with a stream covering veterinary wellness, leadership and management-related topics.

Speakers include veterinary experts and leaders from around the world, and the expected 2,000+ delegates will be able to collect 14 hours of CPD over the two days.

The VET Festival will also offer a Wellness Hub offering things like yoga, movement and mindfulness sessions alongside the lectures. 

There'll be a diverse commercial exhibition, with more than 60 leading veterinary suppliers, and all delegates will also have free admission to the VETFest Live Party Night. 

Noel Fitzpatrick, Clinical Chair at Fitzpatrick Referrals, who launched VET Festival in 2015, said: “The last 18 months have been tough for everyone but particularly difficult for veterinary professionals, many of whom were already suffering with challenges to their well-being and mental health because of the pressures of their work.

"VET Festival is an oasis of time during which they can relax and rejuvenate themselves; experiencing continuing professional development that is uplifting and inclusive and enjoying social activities and companionship that will replenish their souls.”

Tickets for VET Festival can be bought here: https://www.vetfestival.co.uk/delegate-info/ticket-information 

VetPlus has launched a powdered version of Kaminox, its potassium supplement for cats and dogs. 

Kaminox contains potassium gluconate and B-vitamins to help dogs affected by hypokalaemia.  

Originally released as an oral liquid supplement, Vetplus says this new powdered formulation offers a more concentrated level of potassium for larger pets or those that require a higher dose.  

Kaminox sachets are sold in packs of 30, with a scoop provided for easy administration.

Meanwhile, the liquid supplement is available in 60ml and 120ml bottles.

www.vetplus.co.uk/products

Researchers have identified the probable cause of equine grass sickness as a neurotoxin, with similar actions to snake venom toxins but produced by pasture microbes¹.

The researchers, from the Dick Vet Equine Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Newcastle University, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie, and the University of Padova found that affected horses have major abnormalities in the structure of their neuromuscular junctions, microscopic sites of communication between nerves and muscles that are crucial for normal muscle function.

These abnormalities are believed to represent a toxin specific signature, effectively a ‘smoking gun’, for a neurotoxic enzyme termed a phospholipase A2.

Work is now underway to definitively identify the source of the toxin, in the hope that it will lead to novel treatments and improved diagnostics for this devastating disease.

The researchers think the toxin is likely to be produced by a microbe such as a bacterium or fungus growing on the horse’s pasture during the cold and dry weather which commonly precedes the disease. 

Neurotoxic phospholipase A2 toxins are also present in the venom of many poisonous snakes, and there are many similarities between the signs of grass sickness and those of snake envenomation.

While there is no suggestion that venomous snakes cause grass sickness, it is hoped that some of the drugs that are currently being developed to treat and promote nerve regeneration in people paralysed by snake venoms can aid recovery of horses from grass sickness. 

The researchers say that the neurotoxin most likely also causes the apparently identical diseases (termed animal dysautonomias) which affect cats, dogs, hares, rabbits, llamas, alpacas and sheep, and that their finding contradicts the previous leading hypothesis that grass sickness is a form of botulism. 

This breakthrough is summarised in an editorial in the January 2025 issue of the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ). 

The editorial, by Bruce McGorum and colleagues, looks at the implications of their article 'Equine grass sickness is associated with major abnormalities in the ultrastructure of skeletal neuromuscular junctions²".

Bruce said: “Identifying a probable cause of Equine Grass Sickness represents a significant breakthrough.

"We hope that this discovery will lead to novel treatments and improved diagnostics for this devastating condition.

"We are very grateful for the generous support we have received from horse owners, veterinary surgeons, scientists, charities and funding bodies.”

Bruce's editorial is currently available on Early View, free for 12 weeks, and will also be published in the January 2025 print issue of the EVJ. 

Reference 

1. McGorum B, Pirie RS, Bano L, Davey T, Harris J, Montecucco C. Neurotoxic phospholipase A2: A proposed cause of equine grass sickness and other animal dysautonomias (multiple system neuropathies). Equine Vet J. 2025 Jan;57(1):11-18. doi: 10.1111/evj.14442. PMID: 39630613.
2. McGorum BC, Davey T, Dosi MCM, Keen JA, Morrison LR, Pirie RS, et al. Equine grass sickness is associated with major abnormalities in the ultrastructure of skeletal neuromuscular junctions. Equine Vet J. 2025; 57(1): 193–202. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.14063

The BSAVA has announced that Congress 2023 (23rd – 25th March at Manchester Central) will include a programme of three days worth of wellbeing presentations and discussions.

The Wellbeing Programme, which has been put together in collaboration with British Veterinary Chronic Illness Support, the British Veterinary Ethnicity and Diversity Society, British Veterinary Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender+, the RCVS Mind Matters Initiative, Vetlife, the BVA and others, aims to help people create workplaces and teams where everyone can feel they belong and problems are dealt with before they become catastrophes. 

Several of the sessions will allow participants to practice skills, which the Association hopes will be transformative experiences.

Alison Speakman, BSAVA President said: “This year has continued to provide increasing challenges both within the veterinary workforce and in the world at large.

"This has challenged our physical, mental and financial wellbeing which are inextricably linked.

"Therefore, we will be covering aspects of all three with a wide range of presenters included in these conversations, from both within and outwith the veterinary arena.”

New for this year are four separate sessions looking at our understanding of hormonal health and some of the difficulties hormone variations might cause, including menstrual issues, polycystic ovary syndrome, fertility, menopause, understanding and support for gender transition and non-binary people, and male aging.

There will also be wellbeing sessions looking at self-compassion as an antidote to perfectionism and self-criticism, learning to work with grief, flexible working, and developing human-savvy teamwork.

Alison continued: “Whether you wish to expand your knowledge to improve personal understanding and support of your own wellbeing, that of a colleague or friend, or to improve workplace practices and culture, there really is something for everyone to learn.

"Please come along to our safe and supportive space at Congress to improve the wellbeing of our veterinary profession.”

BSAVA has also created a free collection on mental health and wellbeing, looking at resources on both an individual basis and as a team perspective: https://www.bsavalibrary.com/content/mental-health-and-well-being.

To see the full Wellbeing Programme: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2023/en/page/wellbeing?&view-type~0=date.

BSAVA Congress tickets: https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2023/en/page/registration-pricing.

The British Equine Veterinary Association has passed a resolution giving veterinary nurse members the right to vote and stand for BEVA council.

The move enables RVNs to participate in major decision-making processes for the Association.

Marie Rippingale, Chair of BEVA’s Nurse Committee, said: “The resolutions regarding nurses being able to vote and stand for BEVA council are a landmark change and very welcome from the viewpoint of Registered Veterinary Nurses.

“I am very proud to be a part of BEVA.  This change will help to empower nurses to speak up and contribute, but more importantly, it will give them an opportunity to collaborate with other members of the equine veterinary profession to bring about change that is positive for all.” 

BEVA says that over the last three years, it has been increasing its support for equine vet nurses, demonstrated by the recent introduction of free equine vet nurse student membership and the publication of Schedule 3 Guidelines, describing how RVNs are permitted to work, and showing the extent of the skillset and adaptability of the RVN in equine practice.

In 2023 BEVA introduced the new Vet Nurse Empowerment Award, which highlights the invaluable skills and versatility of equine nurses.

BEVA President Roger Smith (pictured voting for the change), said: “What better way to end my Presidential term than to be able to formally recognise the invaluable role of RVNs within the profession in this way.

"To enable vet nurses to vote and to stand for council can only be a positive step forward for all members.”

Photo: Ian Cooper Photography