For the study, titled “RHDV2 epidemic in UK pet rabbits. Part 1: clinical features, gross post mortem and histopathological findings”1, veterinary surgeons were encouraged to submit case histories and the results of post mortem examinations of pet rabbits that died suddenly. Samples taken during the post mortem were sent for histopathological examination.
Frances Harcourt-Brown, corresponding author for the paper, said: "Case histories, macroscopic findings and histopathology results were available from 300 rabbits that died suddenly.
"Of these, 185 (62%) died from RHD and showed characteristic histopathological features of RHD including apoptosis and variable lytic and coagulative hepatocellular necrosis, with varying distribution.
"Interestingly, macroscopic evidence of disease was not present in all cases – for example, gross liver abnormalities were only reported in 30% of cases, despite all cases showing hepatocellular necrosis on microscopic examination.
"Rapid death and death of other rabbits in the household were common features of RHD.
"Histopathology was also useful in yielding valuable information about other causes of death in the rabbits that did not die from RHD.”
Nicola Di Girolamo, editor of JSAP said: “This is a terrible disease that is currently spreading in areas of the world that were free from it until recently. Having more evidence on the type of clinical presentations and lesions that should be expected with this disease in rabbit patients is going to be of tremendous value for clinicians. Given that there is not always macroscopic evidence of RHD, histopathology is key for the diagnosis of RHD in pet rabbits.”
The full article can be found in the July issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice which is free for BSAVA members.
It can also be read online here: https://www.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jsap.13141
Reference
Photo: BSAVA
The ‘Introduction to the UK veterinary professions’ is a two-part online course run in partnership with VDS Training, designed to equip vets and nurses with the insight needed to work in the UK veterinary profession.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the course has been moved online. It includes a series of free online pre-recorded talks from representatives at a number of different veterinary organisations, including the RCVS, VDS Training, the British Veterinary Association, Vetlife, and VetAbroad.
The talks cover a variety of topics such as the Code of Professional Conduct, how to find the right job for you, how to look after mental health and wellbeing, and recognising and understanding cultural differences.
There will then be a number of live Question and Answer sessions across different dates over the coming months [see below], which are also free to attend, so those who have watched the videos can ask further questions from some of the speakers themselves.
Part 2 of the course is an optional practical and participatory paid-for online live communications skills training session run by VDS Training, looking at how to navigate some of the most common pitfalls encountered during client consultations, helping to equip you with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in practice.
Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, said: “While we enjoyed running this course in person and meeting veterinary professionals from all over the world, the coronavirus pandemic has also given us the opportunity to look at how we can make this course even more accessible for a greater number of people.
“While there is still a significant live element, albeit online for the time being, the pre-recorded talks enable those veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to do much of the learning in their own time, without having to take time off work or travel to London for the day, meaning that more people can engage with this crucial information on working in the UK.”
Elly Russell MRCVS, a consultant at VDS Training, added: “Communicating with clients can be one of the most rewarding, but also challenging parts of our jobs as veterinary professionals. Communication problems lead to complaints, increase your stress at work and can impact the care our patients receive. Join VDS training for a highly interactive, online 4-hour workshop. Work in small groups with our experienced facilitators and role players using realistic scenarios to practise and develop your communication skills. Let us help you feel more confident managing common communication challenges in UK practice: improved communication will help you, your clients, and your patients.”
The dates for the free live 2021 Q&A sessions are:
The dates and times for the paid-for live online communications skills workshops from VDS Training are:
The cost for attending the communication skills session (Part 2) is £150 +VAT per person. It is not mandatory to complete both parts of the course, but those who are interested may choose the part of the course most suitable for them.
For further information: www.rcvs.org.uk/overseas-cpd
Nutraflex contains turmeric curcumin complex and boswellia extract, which Nutravet says work synergistically to support the natural systems that control inflammation.
The new product also contains glucosamine, a structural component of cartilage, and chondroitin sulphate to help maintain synovial fluid viscosity.
Nutravet claims the new product is fast acting, soothes stiff joints, aids long-term mobility, flexibility and joint structure, and supports the natural systems that control inflammation.
Chris Jones, Director at Nutravet said: “We’re delighted to be adding Nutraflex to our market-leading range of natural health products for pets.
"We’re always looking at ways of improving our products and Nutraflex provides our authorised stockists with a high strength veterinary exclusive joint support, supported by independent trial data, which works quickly to ultimately help pets that are suffering with joint stiffness.”
Nutraflex is available to order exclusively to authorised veterinary practices.
For more information, contact Nutravet on 0845 604 1688, email info@nutravet.co.uk or visit www.nutravet.com.
Cytopoint is an injectable monoclonal antibody therapy for dogs that targets and neutralises the cytokine IL-31, a mediator of allergic itch1.
Zoetis says the new claim was granted following a randomised, double-masked, multi-centred, placebo-controlled study which looked at Cytopoint’s efficacy and safety for the treatment of pruritus associated with allergic dermatitis in client-owned dogs. The study showed that Cytopoint significantly decreased pruritus, and improved skin lesions.2
Allison Henry, Product Manager Companion Animal Dermatology at Zoetis UK, says: "Allergic dermatitis is one of the most common skin conditions in dogs.3 The associated clinical signs – including scratching, hair loss and skin lesions – are disruptive for the dog, impacting their quality of life and that of its owner. Allergic skin disease is one of the most frequent reasons owners present their dog to a veterinarian.
"The licence extension demonstrates further innovation from Zoetis in the field of veterinary dermatology, and across the continuum of care, increasing the treatment options available to manage pruritus. Apoquel remains an ideal choice for short-term control due to its ability to provide rapid itch relief within four hours4 for as little as one day.5 This enables pruritus to be tightly controlled during the diagnostic work up,7 as well as being used for longer term control where tablets are the preferred method of administration.
"The sustained duration of action of Cytopoint makes it better suited to long-term management of pruritus, particularly when administering tablets is a challenge. Other benefits, such as no restrictions on age or with comorbidities, coupled with the flexibility of the new claim, make it a useful treatment at an earlier stage for more unique cases, e.g. young dogs or those with comorbidities."
For further information, contact your Zoetis Account Manager.
watch?v=A8EJ8LpLVzw
References
Specifically, remote assessments will make sure that practices are continuing to meet Veterinary Medicines Regulations, the Core Standards of the PSS and other key standards relating to the practice's accreditation type and level.
Mandisa Greene, RCVS President and Chair of the Practice Standards Group, said: “We have introduced these remote assessments as a means of being able to quality assure veterinary practices that are either in the Scheme or who wish to join it, while still making sure that public health is safeguarded and that the burden our face-to-face assessments may place on practices is reduced.
"All our Practice Standards Scheme Assessors will be trained in carrying out remote assessments, and practices that are due an assessment will be given the full details of how it will work in advance, just like if a physical assessment of the premises were taking place.
"In the immediate-term we will be prioritising those practices that were due assessment visits in March, April and May this year which were cancelled due to the nationwide lockdown and they are currently being contacted to make arrangements. We will then start a rolling programme of visits for the other delayed assessments over the next few months. We will aim to give all practices at least one month’s notice before a visit takes place."
In order to help veterinary teams at RCVS-accredited practices understand the changes and its implications, the RCVS has produced a list of anticipated FAQs containing the details of how remote assessments will work. These can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/setting-standards/practice-standards-scheme/remote-assessments.
Those with any additional enquiries should contact the RCVS Practice Standards Team on: pss@rcvs.org.uk.
The survey, which received over 1300 responses, found that the problem is more noticeable amongst locum vets (69% have worked when they’ve not felt well enough) and employees (64%) but is also an issue amongst partners and the self-employed (57%). It’s more common for vets in clinical practice (65%) than in non-clinical roles (51%). In all of these sectors over half of vets reported working when they were unwell.
18% of the vets surveyed said they do not take sick leave because they feel uncomfortable doing so. This is more common amongst younger vets (25% of under 35s compared to 19% of 35-54-year olds, and 8% of over 55s) and female vets (21% compared to 11% of male vets).
The main reasons given for not taking time off when sick are concerns about the impact on colleagues and worries about "letting the team down". One respondent said: "Because I would leave the practice understaffed and the remaining vets would have to work a lot harder and longer as a result." Another said: "Being ill is not an option. The practice is short staffed."
Members also reported a perceived culture of working through sickness. One said: "The veterinary industry on the whole has a 'phone in dead' policy ie don't call in sick!" and another said: "[I] feel that I am judged for taking time off, even when I lost my voice and was unable to consult."
A small number of responses (36 of the 450 vets who commented) mentioned that they did not receive sick pay or only received limited sick pay, so they avoided taking sick leave for financial reasons.
The BVA is reminding all vets that they have a legal right not to attend work when they aren’t well enough do so and that any concerns should be discussed with managers. The free BVA legal helpline is available to members to provide further guidance on taking sick leave.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "We know that veterinary workplaces are under enormous pressure from staff shortages, and none of us wants to feel like we are letting our colleagues down, but presenteeism only stores up more problems for the future.
"Working when you are ill puts your own health and wellbeing at risk longer term and can also put your colleagues, clients and patients under your care at risk.
"It’s particularly worrying that some of our colleagues feel pressure to work when they feel unwell, especially younger members. As a profession we have made huge steps forward in recognising the issues around mental health and supporting one another and being physically unwell should be the same.
“Anyone who is concerned should speak to their manager and remember that BVA members can always get free advice and support via the BVA legal helpline. Ultimately, it’s important to create a workplace culture that supports the entire veterinary team to prioritise their own physical and mental health."
Photo: Javier Brosch / Shutterstock
The research, conducted with the Blue Cross, analysed data from over 2,000 UK dog owners and identified perceptual barriers to welfare reforms.
The study revealed that many owners normalise health issues associated with brachycephalic conformations, including breathing difficulties, eye conditions, and skin infections.
One in seven owners of extreme brachycephalic dogs said that 'nothing' could dissuade them from owning these breeds, particularly those with a strong preference for flat faces and those that did not believe brachycephaly reduced a dog’s lifespan.
Owners of extreme brachycephalic dogs, such as French Bulldogs, found the perceived trait of 'laziness' to be highly desirable, despite the fact that an inability to exercise is often a symptom of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS).
The researchers propose a series of interventions to overcome these barriers and make campaigning more effective, including:
Dr. Rowena Packer, lead researcher, said: "Future strategies to tackle the brachycephalic crisis must do more than presenting purely health-based data in generic public locations, and instead, positively offering possible alternate breeds, myth-busting false beliefs and leveraging human stories of brachycephalic owners to have greater impact.
"Additionally, specifically targeting these messages on social media and puppy-selling platforms may increase their efficacy.”
Game players have to 'catch' falling symbols marked with a '+' or the Credelio Plus ingredients, milbemycin oxime and lotilaner to win points, and avoid ones with fleas, ticks and worms, which lose points.
In addition to the £50 vouchers, there are goody packs for four runners up each month.
William Hawker, Parasiticides Marketing Manager at Elanco Animal Health said: "We are excited to showcase our novel new game at BVA Live with this exciting drop and offer all attendees the first chance to play Plus Plummet and win some great prizes by topping the leaderboard every month."
To play the game, visit: https://www.myelanco.co.uk/brand/plus-plummet
Incidentally, if you're at BVA Live, you're invited to join Elanco at the Exhibitor Showcase Theatre tomorrow from 09:00-09:50 for ‘Parasitology: Testing Times? Navigating the current challenges in practice’.
Cat Henstridge (BVSc MRCVS, small animal vet) will be interviewing Ian Wright (head of ESCCAP) and answering questions on everything from when to test, when to treat and how to communicate with pet owners about choice and the parasiticide treatment options available.
Photo: Elanco launches Plus Plummet at BVA Live
For the study “Comparative accuracy of two veterinary-calibrated point-of-care glucometres for measurement of blood glucose concentration in dogs” blood was sampled from client and staff-owned dogs above 6 months of age, of various breeds and health status.
The samples were then used to compare the accuracy of both PGBMs against a reference method - the hexokinase reaction method.
The authors say this was the first study to investigate AccuTell and the first published evidence comparing AlphaTrak2 with a reference method.
The study also sought to determine how useful the monitors are in clinical decision making and to assess the effect that packed cell volume (PCV) (known to affect the reliability of blood glucose concentration measurement in dogs) has on blood glucose concentration using the two PBGMs.
AccuTell was found to be more accurate and useful in a clinical setting than AlphaTrak2.
Both PBGMs were inaccurate in comparison with the hexokinase reaction method, and although they have potential for standard clinical use, unexpected blood glucose concentrations need to be checked by the hexokinase reaction method.
In addition, measurement of blood glucose concentration by the AlphaTrak2 was affected by PCV whereas measurement by the AccuTell was not.
Nicola Di Girolamo, Editor of JSAP said: “We oftentimes think that an instrument that is developed specifically for our patients will provide satisfactorily results on most occasions.
"Instead, studies such as the one presented here, are critical to understand whether the ‘numbers’ provided by an instrument are reliable for clinical use.
"The authors provided 95% limits of agreements to their results.
"This value is of great help for clinicians, since it shows the difference expected between the instrument and the reference standard in the majority of occasions.”
The study can be read online here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/jsap.13491
The Legislative Reform Consultation took place between November 2020 and April 2021 and asked members of the veterinary profession and the public to give their responses to a package of proposals for future veterinary legislation designed to enhance the role of veterinary nurses, modernise RCVS registration, lead to a modern fitness to practise regime, and ensure the regulation of veterinary practices.
The proposals represent the biggest legislative reform since the 1966 Veterinary Surgeons Act.
In total the consultation received 1,330 responses, of which 714 (54%) were from veterinary surgeons, 335 (25%) from veterinary nurses, 93 (7%) from veterinary paraprofessionals, 73 (5%) from student veterinary nurses, 58 (4%) from members of the public, 40 (3%) from veterinary and industry organisations, including representative bodies, and the remainder from veterinary students and veterinary practice managers.
An analysis of the consultation responses covering each of the five core areas and their individual recommendations can be found in the final report, which is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/legislativereform.
After considering this report, Council voted by a majority to accept the recommendations, meaning that they are now formally adopted as RCVS policy and will form the basis for discussions on the need for new legislation with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).
Professor Stephen May has chaired the Legislation Working Party that developed the proposal since its inception in 2017 when he was RCVS President. He said: “We are very grateful to those individuals and organisations who took the time to complete this very important consultation on recommendations for the future legislative framework for the professions. We also appreciate the candour of those who were unsure about or opposed to the recommendations.
“When the Legislation Working Party met to consider the responses and the report, it decided that, while no substantive changes needed to be made to the principle-based recommendations, the points raised both against and in favour of individual recommendations gave us important material for additional consideration, and food for thought as to how any detailed proposals would be implemented once enabling legislation is in place.
“We look forward to submitting these recommendations to Defra formally, with a view to them becoming, in time, a bill put before Parliament to replace the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. In so doing, this would establish a modern, flexible and comprehensive piece of legislation that would make sure the regulatory structure for the veterinary professions is fit for purpose for decades to come.”
As well as the main report of the Legislative Reform Consultation, RCVS Council also considered a series of interim measures that would be in line with the overall aims of future legislative changes, but which could be implemented without primary legislation.
The proposed interim measures included:
Council members voted on each of these interim measures on an individual basis – with the mini-PICs and the Charter Case Protocol being accepted by majority vote.
However, Council members voted against implementing the change to the standard of proof at this time, citing a number of concerns about the potential impact of it being implemented under the current concerns investigation and disciplinary procedures. Similar concerns had been put forward by many of those who responded to the consultation itself.
Eleanor Ferguson, RCVS Registrar, said: “The approved procedural changes will, I believe, lead to a significant improvement in the efficiency and effectiveness of our disciplinary processes. The Charter Case Protocol will mean that, in suitable cases where a finding of serious professional misconduct at a full disciplinary hearing would likely only lead to a reprimand or to no further action being taken, a more proportionate and less time-consuming and expensive means of resolving cases will be available. However, it will still reflect the seriousness of the matters and continue to protect the public interest, welfare and the reputation of the profession.
“Furthermore, by phasing out the Case Examiner Group stage and instead referring concerns to ‘mini’ PICs, which will decide if the threshold of serious professional misconduct has been met, it will make our concerns investigation processes clearer and more streamlined and therefore more efficient. We look forward to publishing further details on both of these changes in due course.
“Although Council members accepted that a change of the standard of proof would be an integral part of introducing a modern fitness to practise (FTP) regime as part of any future legislation, they had significant concerns about the ‘interim’ recommendation to introduce it under the current arrangements, in advance of implementing a full FTP model, and so a majority felt that they could not vote for it.”
To read the full report of the Legislative Reform Consultation, including analysis of the responses, please visit www.rcvs.org.uk/legislativereform.
Ciar, who works at Davies Veterinary Specialists, says her driving aim was to help acknowledge and understand why the veterinary sector is the least diverse profession in the UK (Gyles, 2018), with veterinary nursing being worse than veterinary medicine, and her article also considered possible solutions.
Ciar first studied animal management at Shuttleworth College, before completing a bachelor’s degree in veterinary nursing at Middlesex University.
She then participated in Linnaeus’s post registration programme (PRP) at Davies Veterinary Specialists and is now a permanent member of the team.
Davies Hospital Director Ben Orton said: “Many congratulations to Ciar on her impressive achievement.
“We are extremely proud that she is a member of our nursing team here at Davies.
"Her drive, focus and commitment strongly reflect our hospital ethos and her article pertinently and comprehensively tackles the very important subject of BAME representation within the veterinary sector.”
Purina carried out a survey earlier this year which revealed the different ways British cat owners manage sensitivity to cat allergens2. They included removing the cat when sensitivities to allergens act up (76%), restricting the cat to specific places in the home (75%), using special cat products on the cat such as dander removers or allergen sprays (64%), bathing the cat (56%) and taking the cat to a groomer (52%).
92% also use a high-quality vacuum cleaner, 66% put covers on their furniture and 26% clean their home and furniture daily to remove traces of cat hair.
Dr Ebenezer Satyaraj, PhD, immunologist for Nestlé Purina Research and lead investigator on the research that led to the development of Pro Plan LiveClear, said: “Many people think that cat hair or dander is the allergen, but it’s actually what’s on it – the major cat allergen called Fel d 1, a protein that cats produce naturally in their saliva.” 3,4
All cats produce Fel d 1, regardless of breed, age, hair length, sex or body weight, but at differing levels.4-6 When cats groom themselves, Fel d 1 gets on the hair and skin through the saliva and with shedding, it eventually gets into the home environment. Feld d 1 attaches itself to any surface it comes into contact with and remains in houses for over a year or more.
Purina says Pro Plan LiveClear contains a specific protein, sourced from eggs, which binds itself to the Fel d 1 and safely neutralises it in the cat’s mouth, thereby reducing the amount of active allergen shed in the environment 7,8.
In a study, feeding Pro Plan LiveClear was shown to reduce the allergens on cat hair and dander by an average of 47%, starting in the third week of daily feeding7.
There have been no studies as yet which have tested the effect of this allergen reduction on human symptoms, but Purina says anecdotal evidence from consumers who have tried the product has been positive thus far.
Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK said: "Amena Warner, Head of Clinical Services at Allergy UK said: "There are a number of ways in which cat owners try to manage their exposure to cat allergens and keep their symptoms at bay, including taking antihistamines, using inhalers for quick symptoms relief as sensitivity to cat allergens is often linked to allergy-related asthmas, regularly cleaning and hoovering, bathing and grooming the cat by non-allergic family members. And if these measures do not work, current medical advice is often to relinquish the pet to limit exposure to the allergens.
"Every cat is unique though, and so the level of Fel d 1 they produce varies, just as every person's sensitivity level to these allergens is different. That is why there is no ‘one size fits all’ way to manage exposure to cat allergens. Every little bit helps so a combination of management tools often works best to help reduce cat allergens in your home - the combination is unique to your lifestyle. We welcome the development of Pro Plan LiveClear, which when used as part of a cat allergen management regime, could be a meaningful extra tool for affected households.”
Purina says Pro Plan LiveClear is not intended to replace other cat allergen-reduction strategies but to add another measure that can help reduce the cat allergen burden in cat households.
Pro Plan LiveClear is available at Pets at Home retail stores and from the Purina online shop as a complete life-stage range with six products tailored for Kitten, Adult and Adult 7+.
Matthew has been a veterinary nurse since 1989 and, throughout his career, has had a focus on nursing exotic animals, particularly in the zoo setting, with experience of nursing everything from ‘ants to elephants’. He regularly lectures to veterinary nursing and veterinary surgeon undergraduates at the Royal Veterinary College as part of their core modules on topics such as herpetological husbandry, and some areas of zoo and wildlife diagnostic imaging and anaesthesia. He also lectures extensively on herpetology throughout Europe and America.
Matthew has been an elected member of VN Council since 2016 and was re-elected this year. He was chosen to be Chair at last week's meeting of VN Council. He said: “I am very proud to be the first male veterinary nurse to hold the position of Chair of RCVS VN Council. In this position I will continue to work hard to support and progress the profession of the veterinary nurse.
"It is fundamental we give the general public, as well as our fellow veterinary professionals, a greater understanding of the excellent work we do. We have a positive impact on animal health and welfare, whatever the clinical environment or species. The lack of understanding of what veterinary nurses do is often cited as a chronic issue within my profession and it is something I plan to prioritise during my tenure as Chair of VN Council."
Joining Matthew will be Belinda Andrews-Jones RVN who was elected as Vice-Chair of VN Council. Belinda has worked in veterinary nursing for almost 30 years with a focus on emergency & critical care and is currently Director for Nursing at CVS, where she leads the more than 2,000 nurses in the group. Belinda has been an appointed member of VN Council since 2018.
Belinda said: “I am delighted to have been elected as Vice-Chair of VN Council by my fellow Council members. It is a huge honour and privilege to be contributing to the RCVS and the profession, in protecting and upholding the high standards of the UK veterinary nurse profession, while progressing the profession forward.
“I feel I can make a positive contribution to the already fantastic work that the college has achieved. I am passionate about progressing the profession forward and expanding the role of UK veterinary nurses."
Both Matthew and Belinda will take up their appointments as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively at this year’s RCVS Annual General Meeting which takes place on Friday, 10 July 2020. On that day the RCVS will also be saying farewell to the current VN Council Chair Racheal Marshall who was not re-elected in this year’s VN Council election.
More information about this year’s AGM can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/events/royal-college-day.
Andrea, who is also an EBVS Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine, is joining Paragon after returning from a spell in Australia. The transfer fee was not disclosed.
Andrea graduated from Bristol in 2011 and became a Specialist in 2017. She said: "I'm so pleased to be returning to my beautiful home county of Yorkshire and joining the brilliant team at Paragon.
"Internal medicine will be my key area and my main interests are infectious diseases and post graduate clinical teaching."
Andrea represented England youth at basketball between 2000 and 2002, starring in tournaments in Hungary and Italy, and her passion for sport is still high on her list of priorities.
She added: "Now I’m back home I’m looking to join a triathlon club and will attempt to master the ukulele, which I recently began playing."
Paragon managing director, Ian Monteith, said: "Andrea is the fifth high-calibre specialist addition we’ve made in the past six months which illustrates our dedication to delivering the highest level of care and treatment to our patients."
Neptra has been approved for the treatment of acute canine otitis externa or acute exacerbations of recurrent otitis caused by mixed infections of susceptible strains of bacteria sensitive to florfenicol (Staphylococcus pseudintermedius) and fungi sensitive to terbinafine (Malassezia pachydermatis), by the European Commission.
Mario Andreoli, Head of Marketing at Bayer Animal Health, said: "Otitis externa is a common disease in dogs and a leading cause why owners take their dog to a veterinarian.
"Neptra offers a key advantage, unlike competing products, it requires just one dose, administered by the veterinarian in the practice."
No at-home applications by the dog owner are required. The treatment stays in the hands of the vet who has full control over compliance.
Mario added: "With Neptra we provide a high-quality veterinary treatment that is convenient for the dog owner and ensures the well-being of dogs with a proper, effective application."
VetSurgeon understands the new product will be available in the UK in January 2020.
HSR, which provides emergency and routine specialist orthopaedic and neurology services, now offers video consultations with a specialist and a pet transportation service. It has also introduced strict strict biosecurity and operational preventative measures.
Clare Hamilton, Managing Director, says, “Our priority is to continue to offer gold-standard service for both routine and emergency orthopaedic and neurological cases whilst doing our utmost to limit the spread of Covid-19 as much as possible. We are to all intents and purposes, ‘business as usual’ with additional hygiene measures to protect clients and staff”.
HSR is asking clients that if there is a chance that they have Covid-19 and/or have come into contact with anyone with the virus they do not attend the hospital in person, but instead contact via email or telephone to discuss their pet’s treatment on an individual basis. Clients visiting the clinic are being asked to wait in their cars until their appointment, whereupon the animal is collected from the car by one of the team for its clinical examination. The vets are then speaking to the clients by telephone to discuss and gain consent for any further investigation or treatment.
For vulnerable clients who are self-isolating and in need of their services, HSR is offering a pet ambulance service for collection and drop off of pets. They will then have a video consultation with the specialist. Medications will be posted out and advice given over email or telephone.
Clare added: “We are doing all we can to support colleagues and clients in what are unprecedented circumstances. We recognise the strain on many practices having to reduce the number of appointments in the face of staff shortages. We want to reassure vets that we are happy to offer advice and support with cases, and continue to take referrals during this difficult period. We also have free online CPD for practices via our website as meetings are postponed or cancelled”.
The practice advises clients and referring vets to check for further developments on social media, or sign up to their email list for updates.
Emotional Resilience Skills for the Veterinary Profession, which the BSAVA presents in association with the RCVS Mind Matters initiative and Two Roads Charity, are half day events will be now held virtually by the BSAVA Regions.
Mary Harrison, Programme Director at Two Roads Charity, said: “Twice as many members of the Veterinary Profession suffer mental health issues as the general population; due to many reasons including overwork, trauma, imposter syndrome, unsupportive colleagues and overly demanding clients. Emotional Resilience is a major defence against many mental health issues including depression and anxiety and the good news is that it’s primarily learned behaviours."
The programme is designed to equip participants with an understanding of the role emotional resilience plays in protecting our mental health. Emotional resilience is mainly a learned behaviour, and there are recognised steps that can be taken to increase resilience and reduce the risk of developing mental health issues including depression.
Jennie Bartholomew, Education Coordinator at the BSAVA said: “We’re thrilled to be able to offer these courses to the veterinary profession again, especially given the exceptionally tough year we have all experienced which has placed additional strain on mental health and wellbeing for many. We know that this programme will be well received and will be helpful to all members of the profession, wherever they are based”.
Lisa Quigley, Mind Matters Initiative Manager, said: “We know how tough the last 18 months have been for the veterinary profession, and we’re pleased to be working in partnership with two organisations who are as passionate about supporting the mental health of the profession as we are. We are really looking forward to the launch of the programme and we are sure that anyone who attends will come away with a better understanding of their mental wellbeing and how to respond to emotional challenges.”
Designed for the whole practice team, the programme is suitable for anyone who wishes to increase their own resilience and develop the ability to help others at work or at home. Participants will work in groups, and no personal disclosures are necessary, although participants are welcome to discuss private issues after the programme.
The programme is free to BSAVA members; £40 to non-members. Spaces are limited and the sessions will not be recorded. You can book your place online now at: https://www.bsava.com/emotionalresilience.
The winners were the first veterinary nursing students to place in the awards, which were launched by RCVS Knowledge last year to recognise and support students’ engagement with evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM) and its application into practice.
The winning Knowledge Summary was written by Carla Husband, Abbie McMillan and Lauren Sweeney (pictured right), all studying veterinary nursing at the University of Bristol.
The team highlighted the paucity of evidence regarding the impact of educational interventions on hand hygiene compliance in small animal environments, a highly relevant topic during the COVID-19 pandemic, and called for more research to be carried out to support hand hygiene compliance in the veterinary professions.
Carla said: “I feel so proud of myself and my co-authors for winning this competition. We worked very hard on making this Knowledge Summary the best it could be and can’t believe our hard work has paid off. I also feel very proud to represent the vet nursing profession and to come out of university with a published paper.
"To any vet nursing or vet students out there who are thinking of submitting to Veterinary Evidence, I say go for it! The more evidence we can contribute to our knowledge base, the better our profession can become.”
Lauren said, “It was really exciting as a Student Veterinary Nurse to be able to submit our work into this competition. I truly believe that the Veterinary Science evidence base should be continually built upon and I am so glad this competition allowed our Knowledge Summary to do so!
Second and third place awards went to vet students Laura Pratley at the University of Liverpool and Lesca Sofyan at the University of Sydney in Australia, respectively.
RCVS Knowledge says the vet nurses' win underscores how an evidence-based approach can be embedded by all veterinary professionals. Peter Cockroft, Editor-in-chief of Veterinary Evidence, said: “I would like to congratulate the award winners on their outstanding achievements. We hope the student authors who have either won or been accepted for publication will feel encouraged to continue to practise EBVM in their future careers.”
The winning paper is available to read on the Veterinary Evidence website at: https://bit.ly/SAKSHandHygiene. The second and third place papers, along with the other submissions, will be published at a later date. The awards will be presented at the RCVS Day Honours and Awards virtual event in September. The Veterinary Evidence Student Awards 2021 are now open to submissions. All undergraduates studying veterinary medicine, veterinary nursing, veterinary bioscience or bioveterinary science are eligible to apply.
Further information is available on the RCVS Knowledge website: http://bit.ly/VEstudentawards.
The researchers hope that the study will help to increase a veterinary surgeon’s index of suspicion of a particular liver disease, particularly if a biopsy-confirmed diagnosis is not possible.
In the study titled “Histopathological frequency of canine hepatobiliary disease in the United Kingdom”, histopathology reports from canine liver tissues submitted to a commercial veterinary laboratory by UK first and second opinion practices were retrospectively reviewed.
Data collected included breed, age, sex, gross and histological descriptions, diagnosis and additional comments.
Data were then grouped into 23 categories according to WSAVA histological criteria for canine hepatobiliary diseases using the four main morphological groups of vascular, biliary, parenchymal and neoplastic disorders. Breed analysis was then performed on the top five ranking breeds within each individual category.
A total of 4584 histopathology reports of canine liver tissue were included in the analysis.
The most common histopathological diagnoses were reactive hepatitis (16.8%), chronic hepatitis (16.0%) and reversible hepatocellular injury (RHI) (12.9%).
Labrador retrievers were found to have increased odds for reactive hepatitis (OR 1.57, 95%CI 1.23-1.99), whilst crossbreeds demonstrated reduced odds (OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.54-0.79).
Breeds with increased odds of chronic hepatitis included the Labrador retriever (OR 4.14, 95%CI 3.47-4.93), springer spaniel (OR 6.30, 95%CI 5.10-7.79), cocker spaniel (OR 2.78 95%CI 2.20-3.53) and West Highland White Terrier (OR 3.23, 95%CI 2.24-4.65).
Within the RHI group, the schnauzer (OR 8.06, 95%CI 5.77-11.26) and Bichon Frise (OR 5.19, 95%CI 3.63-7.42) had increased odds of disease.
Dr Yuvani Bandara, corresponding author for the paper, said: “This is the first study to report the histopathological frequency of hepatobiliary diseases and to identify possible breed predispositions in a large cohort of dogs in the UK.
“Despite multivariable analysis not being performed to account for confounding factors, we hope that this information informs and supports future investigations for hepatic disease in particular breeds and potential predispositions.”
The full article can be found in the September issue of the Journal of Small Animal Practice and can be read online here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.13354.
The online book invites veterinary nurses to leave written messages of condolence, and pictures.
The book will be available until Monday 3rd October.
Dr Melissa Donald MRCVS, President of the RCVS who will be attending the Queen’s state funeral on behalf of the College, said: “I, along with my colleagues in the Officer Team and on RCVS and VN Councils, were greatly saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty the Queen last week.
“As our Patron and benefactor since her accession to the throne 70 years ago, as a keen supporter of the veterinary professions who had many interactions with its members, and as an animal-lover, we were keen to give veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses the opportunity to leave messages of condolence, anecdotes about meeting Her Majesty, and tributes for her many years of duty and service to this country.
“After it closes, we plan to save a digital copy of the online book in the RCVS historical archives for posterity.”
Any nurses who have not received the original email should contact communications@rcvs.org.uk.
Originally known as ‘Our Dumb Friends League’, the Blue Cross was formed in 1897 to help the working horses of London, who were often underfed, struggled to carry heavy loads and became injured on slippery asphalt roads created for new motor vehicles.
Bill Bailey said: “I had a great time transforming into a Pearly King! I love all animals, so having an opportunity to celebrate Blue Cross’ heritage and highlight the support that they have continued to offer to horses, and other animals, since their inception was really special."
Iain Heaton, Deputy CEO and CFO at Blue Cross, says: “We are delighted to share these recreated historic images with our supporters, beneficiaries, and the British public. Bill, David, Lauren, and our hard-working rehoming team have done a phenomenal job at demonstrating how we have supported both pets and people over the last 125 years, and we can’t wait to see people’s response.
To learn more about the Blue Cross's heritage, visit: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/125-years-of-blue-cross
Mr Eccles had first appeared before the Disciplinary Committee in November 2018 where he admitted a number of clinical failings regarding his diagnosis of a cat, the keeping of accurate and detailed clinical records, giving the animal appropriate treatment, surgery and care, and failing to provide the cat’s owners with adequate information on the cat’s care upon discharge.
After Mr Eccles admitted the two charges against him, and the Committee found him guilty of serious professional misconduct, the Committee then postponed its decision on sanction on the condition that Mr Eccles agreed to abide by a set of undertakings in the interim. They included: the preparation of a personal development plan, the enrolment of his practice in the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, the appointment of a veterinary mentor, the completion of additional training and CPD, and his agreement to pay any costs of complying with the undertakings, including the appointment of and work undertaken by the appointed mentor.
At the resumed hearing last week, the Committee received evidence from Mr Eccles confirming that he had complied with all the original undertakings agreed to in 2018. It also considered some further undertakings that Mr Eccles had agreed to in October 2020 when his reconvened hearing was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. They included: confirming his compliance with the personal development plan he had drawn up in 2019, his practice achieving the Core Standards accreditation level within the Practice Standards Scheme, continuing to meet with his veterinary mentor, and undertaking additional CPD – all of which were found to be completed.
The Committee also heard evidence from both the veterinary mentor and Mr Eccles himself. In his evidence, Mr Eccles apologised to the owners of the cat for the care he had provided, admitting that he had let them and himself down by not having sufficient knowledge to recognise the cat’s needs and to provide him with a sufficient level of care. He also confirmed he was continuing to make improvements to his practice and that he had enjoyed the process of being mentored.
Dr Martin Whiting, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “In November 2018, Mr Eccles practice had fallen significantly short of an acceptable and adequate standard. He was a sole practitioner who had drifted away from professional standards.”
“The Committee today considers that Mr Eccles has met the undertakings which he accepted in November 2018 and again in October 2020 when the resumed hearing was adjourned owing to Covid-19. It accepts the College’s analysis as to how those standards have been met. It notes that Mr Eccles’ practice has achieved accreditation in Core Standards under the Practice Standard Scheme, something which is voluntary in ordinary practice. That is an exacting scheme. He has engaged with his mentor and had indicated that he will continue to do so as the need arises in order to maintain his development.”
Dr Whiting added: “The Committee also recognises that this was a single incident in a long career. It accepts that he has shown insight into his shortcomings. He understands what went wrong and why. The Committee was impressed with Mr Eccles’ statement of apology in his oral evidence today.”
“The Committee found the language which he used in answering its questions, as to the effect compliance with the undertakings has had upon him professionally, reassuring. He said he had been rejuvenated and stimulated; he had renewed enthusiasm for the profession. The Committee commends him for exceeding the minimum requirement of the undertakings, despite the stressful context of the Covid-19 pandemic.”
In considering its sanction for the original admitted charges from November 2018, the Committee considered that a reprimand and warning as to future conduct was the most appropriate and proportionate sanction.
The full findings for the case can be found at: www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
Looking at the imagery on the company's website, I'm not altogether sure I'll be able to resist it either.
The new range, which comes in chicken or tuna flavour with vegetables and rice, includes:
Urinary Care - to help dissolve struvite uroliths
Derm Defense - to support skin health
Digestive Care - for pets with gastrointestinal disorders and pets in recovery
Metabolic - a weight management diet for pets
Kidney Care - to support pets with kidney conditions
For more information, visit: https://www.hillspet.co.uk/prescription-diet/stew.
People are invited to organise or join a walk to raise money for Canine Arthritis Management and its work to educate both dog owners and veterinary professionals about how even the smallest of changes can help to enhance the life of a dog with arthritis.
CAM highlights recent work from the Royal Veterinary College and University of Sydney through VetCompass, which highlighted some of the biggest welfare challenges facing our pet population including obesity, dental disease and osteoarthritis, with osteoarthritis identified as one of the most severe conditions.
Hannah said: "We need to start more conversations about arthritis; both dog owners and vets need to be more aware of the steps we can take to help prevent arthritis, and where dogs are affected, how we can take positive action to help them live fulfilled and comfortable lives."
Hannah says that arthritis is currently one of the biggest causes of owners choosing to euthanise their dogs, and she hopes that owners taking part in the walks will help spread the word that arthritis can be managed.
To find out more about the Big September Walks visit www.facebook.com/CAMBigSeptemberWalks
PawSquad, which was founded in 2015 by Diwaker Singh and Radu Georgescu, offers veterinary consultations by video and live text chat in the United Kingdom. IVC says it continue to operate as an autonomous entity within the IVC group.
PawSquad CEO, Dr Mark Boddy MRCVS (pictured right) said: “Our network of experienced veterinarians has already helped many thousands of pets in the UK, providing medical advice, emergency triage and preventive health plans. Being part of IVC will allow us to help even more pets and to continue to work positively and collaboratively with the veterinary profession, as well as expand geographically.”
Stuart Caton, Chief Commercial Officer at IVC Evidensia said: "Telemedicine will support the efforts of the group to make high quality veterinary care more accessible to pet owners, lowering the barriers to engagement with the veterinary profession. It’s an excellent acquisition that will further complement the group as pet services grow and evolve in the future. We are delighted the entire PawSquad team will continue with the business supporting their corporate and private clients as before.”
IVC says the accessibility of the PawSquad service encourages pet owners to seek professional advice earlier and more frequently, with around half of all queries being referred for necessary in-clinic follow-up and otherwise providing much valued reassurance and peace of mind.
The company also says telemedicine is particularly appreciated by cat owners or those with nervous dogs, where the stress of a clinic visit can sometimes result in those pets missing out on veterinary care.
PawSquad Chairman and Founder, Diwaker Singh said: “We are pet lovers and launched PawSquad with the objective of making sure that pet owners have instant 24/7 access to quality pet care, accessible from their homes. Towards this end, PawSquad is a great success. The service has grown significantly, confirming there is a clear need for this service. IVC Evidensia’s extensive network will help the business strengthen and grow to even greater heights.”