Four new procedures have been added: cystostomy tube placement, endotracheal intubation, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), and wet-to-dry dressings.
The new video content, access to which is included with the printed book, has been designed as a ‘go to’ resource to reference prior to performing a procedure.
Nick Bexfield, one of the editors of the new edition, said: “We have built upon the success of the previous editions by responding to the feedback received from the BSAVA readership, and hope this new guide helps to further increase the confidence and accuracy with which these procedures are performed.”
Print copies are available through the BSAVA store, you can also access the digital version in the BSAVA Library.
Prices are £45.50 for BSAVA members; £70.00 for non-members.
All RVNs were set an email with a voting link and a unique voter code.
The College says it will be writing to the few veterinary nurses for whom it has no unique email address with further instructions.
There are 3 candidates standing this year and you can now cast your votes for up to two of them by 5pm on Friday 26 April 2024.
The candidates are:
The individual candidate profiles are available to view at www.rcvs.org.uk/vnvote24 where you can also read the candidates’ answers to two questions of their choice submitted by the profession.
The two candidates with the most votes will join VN Council for their three-year terms at the College’s AGM in July.
Any vet nurses who have not received their voting email should contact CES directly on support@cesvotes.com.
The CMA review generated 11,000 responses from people working in the veterinary industry, including 1/5th of the country's vets and nurses. There were a further 45,000 responses from the general public.
Issues identified by the review were that:
So far, the RCVS, the BVNA and IVC have all responded to the announcement, the RCVS welcoming the call for modernising the regulatory framework and the BVNA likewise (taking the opportunity to remind everyone that this would also be the moment to protect the 'veterinary nurse' title).
Meanwhile, IVC said that for its part, it has always tried to ensure its prices are competitive and that customers are informed of costs before treatment, adding that it believes price increases in the sector have been driven predominantly by the shortage of vets, necessary improvements to pay and conditions for veterinary professionals and inflation.
The CMA has now launched a 4-week consultation to seek views from the sector on the proposal to launch a market investigation.
The consultation closes on 11 April 2023 at which point it will consider the responses received and a decision will be made on how to proceed.
https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/consultation-on-the-proposal-to-make-a-market-investigation-reference-into-veterinary-services-for-household-pets-in-the-uk
The book highlights some of the ways that action is being taken in the profession to retain and develop female talent, build women’s economic empowerment, support women into leadership, decision-making and business, and create infrastructure that meets the needs of women.
Profiles include Dr Katrin Jahn, who is paving the way for female veterinary professionals in the Middle East and Dr Jyotika Sangle, who works in regulatory affairs in India, where the veterinary profession is not considered to be a career choice for women, and its importance is not well understood.
Also profiled is Perdi Welsh, who is working to enhance career progression options for veterinary nurses, and Samantha Lympany-Tier, who is advocating for the role of veterinary care assistants and patient emotional welfare in clinical practice.
Veterinary Woman editor, Jenny Langridge, said: “When we’re feeling worn down by work pressures it can be difficult to envisage change for the better, but the veterinary professions are bursting with people driving innovation and development in many different ways.
"I hope that our ‘Champions for Change’ eBook will help vet professionals of all types to find inspiration from the stories of the amazing efforts taking place within the sector to drive new thinking and improvements to wellbeing, career prospects, equality and inclusivity.”
https://www.veterinarywoman.co.uk/2024/03/champions-for-change-e-book
The active ingredient of Clevor is ropinirole, which is a dopamine agonist with high selectivity for dopamine D2-type receptors1.
This, Animalcare says, means that Clevor only activates the receptors in the brain necessary to trigger emesis.
Clevor is also the only emetic product in the UK which is licensed for repeat-dosing1.
Clevor is available in packs of three eye dropper vials.
Each vial contains enough active ingredient to dose up to three, 20kg dogs at once, including a second dose if necessary1.
Kai Crawshaw, Animalcare UK Brand Manager said: ‘It’s hard to keep pets away from toxic substances so we are pleased to be able to offer vets a new treatment option for pet poisoning, just in time for Easter.
"Clevor is revolutionary in the field of emetics, offering veterinary practices a highly selective product with a non-invasive method of administration.
"We are confident that Clevor will quickly become a tried and trusted product of choice for those emergency situations.’
https://www.animalcare.co.uk/learn-more-about-clevor
Reference
Ms Francis faced two charges, the first of which had three elements:
The first was that in January 2021 she took one box of buprenorphine from the practice where she worked.
The second was that in early June 2022 she took another 15 boxes of buprenorphine together with an unspecified number of vials of the drug.
The third was that later that month, she took another box of the drug.
The second charge was that her behaviour was dishonest, was not acting in accordance with instructions from a veterinary surgeon or a valid prescription and she failed to record the amount of the drug taken from the practice.
At the outset of the hearing Ms Francis admitted taking the one box of buprenorphine at the end of June 2022, but denied the other elements of the charge.
After interviewing witnesses, the Committee decided that on the basis of the evidence presented, the allegations that Ms Francis had taken a box of buprenorphine in January 2021, or that she had taken vials of buprenorphine in June 2022, were unproven.
With regard to the allegation that she had taken 15 boxes of buprenorphine in June 2022, the Committee determined that Ms Francis had no case to answer, due to insufficient evidence.
This meant that the second charge, of dishonest behaviour, was only considered in respect of the element of the first charge that Ms Francis had admitted to (the one box of buprenorphine she admitted taking in late June 2022).
Here, the Committee found that Ms Francis’ conduct was not dishonest, but found it proved that she did not act in accordance with instructions from a vet or a valid prescription, and found it proved that she failed to record the amount of the drug taken from the cupboard on the internal stock sheet.
Paul Morris, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The respondent had removed a box of buprenorphine from the drugs cupboard before she had received a prescription for that medication.
"She intended to seek such a prescription from the vet, who was in the practice at the time and from whom she had just received prescriptions for other pain-relieving medications.
"As it happened the vet issued the prescription for the buprenorphine which the respondent sought.
“The respondent has acknowledged her fault in removing the box of buprenorphine before the vet had issued a prescription.
This appears to have been the result of a momentary decision on her part that Vetergesic would be of benefit to her dog.
"She also omitted to sign the relevant log.
"The evidence which the Committee heard suggested that this omission was commonplace at the practice.
“In acting in this way, as the respondent acknowledges, she fell below appropriate standards.
"The Committee has concluded, however, that in all the circumstances her conduct did not fall far below those standards and could not realistically be described as disgraceful conduct in a professional respect.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The full BEVA Congress programme is now live and super early bird tickets are available from 4th March, saving member delegates up to £200.
The one medicine thread will run through the medicine and orthopaedics and sports medicine streams as well as feature in the Peter Rossdale Plenary Lecture.
BEVA President Roger Smith said “There is much to learn from the human side as well as from what we do as vets.
"We have invited five human medical experts to make some comparative links with human medicine in their presentations.
"Bringing a different angle in this way will help predict what the future holds and advance what we do in the equine veterinary sphere.”
The full programme includes more than 90 hours of live and on-demand CPD covering almost every aspect of equine medicine, surgery and practice.
The first day will commence with an opening address from Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell during which she will share her thoughts on maximising performance.
Other highlights include:
Individual super early bird BEVA members prices are £524 for vets and £144 for vet nurses for all three days (with concessionary available for those in their first three years of graduation or earning less than £25,000).
Day tickets and practice passes are also available.
Super early bird ends on Wednesday 29 May 2024.
www.bevacongress.org
To take part in this initiative, members need to do three things
That's it. This month we'll be giving a £50 Amazon voucher to six RVNs, VNAs or SVNs who meet this criteria at the end of the month.
In the future, the number of Amazon vouchers given away each month will tie in directly with the number of recruitment adverts posted on VetNurse.co.uk.
Rather than being picked at random, they may also be tied to the community leaderboards, which display the most active members in order of points scored for posting.
VetNurse Editor Arlo Guthrie said: "VetNurse.co.uk now exists for one very focused reason, which is to be somewhere vet nurses come to help each other.
"In that regard, VetNurse avoids some of the problems that beset other social network platforms, such as the lack of provenance for opinions shared, not to mention the sometimes very unkind posts."
"Taking some of the revenue we earn from recruitment advertising and giving it back to members for helping each other means more people visiting the site and more people seeing the available job opportunities, so it's a bit of a virtuous circle.
"What's more recruitment advertisers on VetNurse can take some pleasure from knowing that they are advertising on the one board which gives something back to vet nurses."
“Tilts, Spins, and Tears: Approaches to head tilts in rabbits” will be presented by Dr Madonna Livingstone BVMS MRCVS, who will discuss a range of approaches, diagnostic and treatment options for rabbits presenting with head tilt symptoms.
Madonna has over 20 years experience in veterinary practice, and as Head Vet and Head of Exotics at Ark Veterinary Clinics Ltd, she speaks widely on exotic animal medicine and surgery.
She also delivers clinical exotic lectures and practicals at Glasgow Vet School, holds a diploma in parrot behaviour and is publishing a textbook on rabbits and small exotic mammals this year.
The webinar aims to help veterinary staff to recognise the differential diagnosis list, know how to achieve a diagnosis, or most likely diagnosis within a restricted budget; know the available treatment options; and know how to manage owners’ expectations.
https://horiba.link/head-tilts-in-rabbits
Dr Kettle faced a charge that he had grabbed the dog, a Shih Tzu named Bella, when she was in a kennel, and/or failed to take sufficient care to ensure that Bella did not fall from her kennel, hit Bella with his hand and/or muzzle, and carried Bella only by her collar and/or scruff.
At the outset, Dr Kettle admitted that he had committed the acts as alleged and that his conduct represented serious professional misconduct.
Having taken evidence from the College and the respondent into account, the Committee considered that Dr Kettle’s actions had not only placed Bella at risk of injury but had also caused her actual injury evidenced by her tongue turning blue for a few seconds, the fact that she soiled herself and her stillness in the treatment room.
However, it also concluded that the incident was a single episode in respect of a single animal that had occurred over a period of 30 seconds, so whilst his actions were serious, they were not aggravated by being sustained or repeated over a period of time.
In terms of mitigating factors, the Committee considered that the circumstances at the time of the incident were relevant.
It found Dr Kettle to be a credible witness and accepted that, during the time that the incident occurred, he had been going through a very difficult time personally with the loss of locum staff, the increased work pressure during the pandemic and unrelated adverse comments on social media.
The Committee considered that whilst these factors did not excuse his behaviour, they had affected how Dr Kettle had reacted towards Bella on the day.
The Committee also noted from clinical records that Dr Kettle had been Bella’s veterinary surgeon for over seven years, on nine occasions prior to the incident and on seven occasions subsequently.
There has been no such evidence of any other incidents happening within this time. Dr Kettle received highly positive testimonials attesting to his usual high standards of practice, both before and since the incident, and the Committee was satisfied that this incident could properly be characterised as isolated and out of character.
Kathryn Peaty, Chair of the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “It was clear that Dr Kettle was deeply remorseful and ashamed of his actions, immediately recognising the seriousness of what he had done.
"Indeed, it was apparent to the Committee from Dr Kettle’s evidence that this remorse and regret continue to weigh heavily on him.
“In all the circumstances, although the Committee did not consider that Dr Kettle’s misconduct was at the lower end of the spectrum of seriousness, given the absence of future risk to animals or the public, and the evidence of exemplary insight, the Committee concluded that a reprimand was the appropriate and proportionate sanction in this case.
“The Committee was satisfied that a reprimand would mark Dr Kettle’s misconduct and reassure the public that veterinary surgeons who act as Dr Kettle had done, would face regulatory consequences and sanction.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings
For the study, the RVC interviewed 13 small animal general practitioners, exploring their experience of providing pre-purchase consultations for brachycephalic dogs.
The study revealed a number of barriers to delivering effective pre-purchase consultations and advice about these breeds.
They included limited time and resources, competition for appointment availability, a perception that vets are only there to fix things, public distrust of veterinary surgeons (often over money), fear of damaging vet-client relationships, and the conflicting influence of breeders and the Kennel Club on clients.
Many veterinary surgeons that took part in the research felt that they had little or no power to overcome these barriers which are highly intractable at an individual veterinarian level.
A resulting moral conflict in veterinary surgeons between their perceived ethical and moral responsibilities to animal welfare versus the needs and wants of their clients and businesses was expressed by many vets in the study, and was felt to compromise their professional integrity and autonomy.
The study set out a series of recommendations:
Dr Rowena Packer, Lecturer in Companion Animal Behaviour and Welfare Science at the RVC and lead author of the study, said: “This is the first time that the impact of brachycephaly on the practising veterinary surgeon has been explored.
"Our concerning results highlight the importance of recognising that the brachycephalic crisis is not only negatively impacting animals, but it is affecting human wellbeing too.
“Our study highlights the conflict that vets are experiencing - bound both by their duty of care to their brachycephalic patients, but also to animal welfare at a population level.
"Trying to balance both of these responsibilities in the current working environment is proving very challenging for some, leading to moral distress.
"It is, therefore, essential that we protect the mental wellbeing of vets on this issue as well as from an animal welfare perspective.
“As the brachycephalic crisis continues to prevail, the support of leading veterinary organisations is vital in providing a united voice regarding the known harms of brachycephaly and support in facilitating PPCs to ensure vets are protected, and potential owners are fully informed when it comes to acquiring decisions.”
Dr Dan O’Neill, Assoc Prof of Companion Animal Epidemiology at the RVC and co-author of the study, said:
“Over the past decade, the RVC has generated a vast evidence base revealing the true extent of the serious health issues of dogs with brachycephaly.
"This new study now focuses RVC research towards protecting the wellbeing of practising veterinary surgeons who are also shown as victims of the brachycephalic crisis.
"The clear message here is that we all need to ‘stop and think before buying a flat-faced dog’.”
The event, which took place in Manchester in October last year, saw veterinary mental health researchers from across Europe come together to share their insights into a variety of areas of veterinary mental health including moral injury, suicide and suicide prevention, the impact of racism, veterinary nurse mental health, and workplace stressors for autistic veterinary professionals.
There were 77 attendees, including a mix of academic researchers and veterinary professionals.
Talks included an address from Dr Leah Quinlivan on ‘Evidence-based care for people who have self-harmed: risk prediction, psychosocial assessments and aftercare’, presentations of research into the impact of racism on the mental health of veterinary professionals and the impact of moral injury on wellbeing.
Angharad Belcher, Director for the Advancement of the Professions and of the Mind Matters Initiative gave a talk about the work of MMI, including its newly published 5-year strategy and evaluation documents.
She said: “The fourth Mind Matters Mental Health Research Symposium was a massively inspiring and insightful day.
"The field of veterinary mental health research is still relatively small so it remains of utmost importance that we continue to band together to share our knowledge on this subject, so that we can continue to learn and grow together and put these important learnings into practice.
“For us, it is vital that these new ground-breaking research projects are made available to all who want to learn more about helping to improve the mental health and wellbeing of those working within the veterinary professions.
"There is some truly fantastic work going on which provides us with hope that we can all continue to work together towards a brighter future.
“There is no doubt that there is a long way to go, but improvement starts with education and research so I would urge anybody who is interested in what is being done to help improve and support the mental health of those working within the veterinary professions, and who is keen to help us keep these vital conversations going, to have a look through the report or access videos of the talks.”
https://vetmindmatters.org/resources/videos-from-the-day-mind-matters-initiative-research-symposium-2023
https://vetmindmatters.org/resources/report-mind-matters-initiative-research-symposium-2023
Despite being a common disease, CVS says very little research has been undertaken into EPD in the UK.
In addition, numerous different treatments are currently used for EPD, for which there is not always robust scientific evidence.
The CVS study, which started in 2022 and will continue till early 2024, involves 20 practices.
Samples have been collected from over 70 cases from horses that have been diagnosed by EPD throughout the UK.
Full blood profiles have been assessed, in addition to bacterial culture analysis of the lesions, PCR analysis for dermatophytes (ringworm fungi), microscopy for ectoparasites (mites) and skin cytology.
An owner questionnaire has also been completed to gather information on EDP management.
Each horse’s lesions have been graded and descriptive data relating to the lesions were recorded.
Data collection is now complete and a team of researchers, led by vet Manuela Diaz Ramos, has started analysing the data.
A full report on the findings, along with treatment and management recommendations, is expected to be presented at a scientific conference later this year.
Pet&Vet has the support of the RCVS, BSAVA, BVNA and BVRA and each has a column aimed at giving pet owners their insights along with general veterinary advice.
The quarterly title will also run seasonal features and have sections about products and services, conservation, pet and owner well-being, treatments, pet owner profiles and celebrity interviews.
In issue one, due to arrive in early March, Ricky Gervais talks about his love for animals, and there are articles about spotting feline arthritis and how to look after older dogs at home.
The magazine will be distributed to veterinary practices free of charge, and the publishers hope you will put it in your reception area for pet owners to read while they wait.
Practices can order more copies, and the plan is to allow them to sell future issues and take a cut of each sale.
Pet owners can also subscribe to get their own copies.
Most of the content is written by veterinary professionals and the editor, Chris Ritchie, says he is keen to receive contributions for the print magazine and companion website, www.petandvetmag.com, which is due to launch alongside the magazine.
Editorial enquiries: editor@petandvetmag.comCommercial enquiries: davidk@petandvetmag.com.
In addition to its Helpline service, Vetlife continued to provide mental health care through its Health Support service.
In 2023, the service facilitated 198 referrals, connecting individuals with mental health care resources.
The charity also provided over £100,000 of financial support to members of the profession who were facing financial hardship.
Trustee Danny Chambers MRCVS said: "Within the veterinary community, there is a profound sense that Vetlife belongs to all of us.
"With over 4000 of our friends and colleagues reaching out for support within just 12 months, we urgently need your assistance to ensure this invaluable service continues.
"By becoming a 'Friend of Vetlife' with a monthly contribution from just £2.10—less than the cost of a cup of coffee—you provide us with a steady, predictable income, enabling us to plan and deliver long-term, consistent support to our veterinary community."
https://www.vetlife.org.uk/become-a-vetlife-member
The course covers wound management, making decisions on dressings, drain management, how to complete biopsies and fine needle samples, how to complete a number of suture patterns and how to remove cutaneous masses and complete other surgeries under Schedule 3 legislation.
The course includes eight hours of practical skills training on cadavers as well as 2 hours online training, covering suture selection and legislation.
On completion of the course, CVS nurses are able to recognise what nurses can complete under Schedule 3 legislation, identify the correct dressing for each stage of wound healing, identify the equipment and correct technique for a range of biopsies, complete a number of different suture patterns, and remove cutaneous masses and complete other surgeries under Schedule 3 legislation.
Each nurse has a skills checklist to inform their ongoing training needs and is encouraged to have regular, informal meetings with a local mentor – who is able to support their learning.
The next Surgical Schedule 3 Course is scheduled for 21st March 2024.
Karen Learmonth, LED Nursing Lead at CVS said: “I am excited about the opportunity that Surgical Schedule 3 provides for nurses within CVS to further their skills and knowledge.
"Advocating nurses’ involvement in Schedule 3 procedures supports improved patient care and provides nurses with rewarding careers.
“It’s fantastic to see so many nurses completing the course to date and we’ll further develop nurse utilisation in 2024 where we’ll rollout both ultrasound and lab skills training.
"We hope this will encourage nurses to utilise all aspects of their role in line with Schedule 3 guidelines.”
Fran Wood, an RVN at Albavet - Rogers, Brock & Barker said: “I have been loving doing surgery and felt the course was the best CPD I have ever been on!
"It has given me the confidence to complete stitch ups, tail amputations and many other procedures.”
One of the critical factors in allowing vet nurses to use all their skills is having vets who are comfortable delegating.
To that end, CVS has vets who have pledged to support nurses to achieve this work.
The group has also published guidelines for its vets to provide clarity around effective delegation under Schedule 3.
The Standards Framework for Veterinary Nurse Education and Training sets out the professional values, skills and behaviours required of approved educational institutions (AEIs), delivery sites and the training practices (TPs) responsible for providing the training and support for student veterinary nurses.
The College reviews the standards framework every five years to ensure that AEIs, delivery sites and TPs have the structures to best provide contemporary and innovative approaches to education for student veterinary nurses, while being accountable for the local delivery and management of accredited programmes.
The new draft framework includes updates relating to sustainability and academic integrity.
Julie Dugmore, RCVS Director of Veterinary Nursing, said: “We are looking for veterinary nurses in all walks of life – as well as student nurses and veterinary surgeons – to provide constructive and specific feedback on our proposals.
“Your insights will help us ensure that the standards continue to enable veterinary nurse educators to deliver the best training and support possible for our students, prepare them for life in clinical practice, and ensure that animal health and welfare is a foremost consideration.
“In fact, animal health and welfare and public safety is central to our standards.
Students will be in contact with patients and their owners throughout their education and it is important that they learn in a safe and effective way.”
The consultation runs until 5pm on Wednesday 3 April 2024 and all members of the veterinary team – including RVNs, student veterinary nurses and veterinary surgeons – can take part in order to provide detailed feedback on each of the six core standards and each of individual requirements within these standards.
A PDF version of the new draft Standards Framework is available to download from https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/our-consultations.
If you have any questions about the document or how to respond to the survey, contact the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Team on vetnursing@rcvs.org.uk
Of particular note is the guidance that prescriptions should no longer be written in mg/kg, as it may lead to errors when the dose is calculated.
The Standards and Advice update also answers questions about:
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/news-and-views/features/prescribing-pom-vs-joint-guidance-from-the-rcvs-and-vmd/
The company has introduced this service after conducting research amongst veterinary professionals which found that 90% of practices have been asked by clients for a payment plan to spread the cost of their bill, but only about 33% of practices could offer one.
On top of that, 53% of practices said they're regularly asked for a discount on treatment and 30% said that their clinical advice was not followed because the client was short of money.
The new loan service is built into Animal Friends' claims submission platform, 'Pawtal'.
It is open to all UK practices, regardless of whether their clients have policies with the company.
There is no late payment interest and no charges to the client.
Animal Friends says that with the ability to spread the cost of treatment over a number of months, pets that might have gone untreated could now get the support they need providing relief for pet owners who may not have insurance or enough savings.
https://www.animalfriends.co.uk
The training will be delivered by the referral team and is open to all vet nurses, trainee vet nurses and animal care assistants, with content for all experience levels.
Topics on the day include:
Eleri Counsell, Nursing Manager at Langford, said: “The Congress has gone from strength to strength since it was launched in 2022.
"Our aim has been to showcase our outstanding nursing team here at the Small Animal Referral Hospital and continue to support our local referring practices and the wider veterinary nursing community by sharing our expertise.
"The nurses have really been the driving force for this Congress and their passion when talking about their areas is inspiring.”
Tickets cost: £150
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/vet-nurse-congress-2024-tickets-793211144887
Pergocoat contains pergolide, a long-acting dopamine receptor agonist.
It is available in 0.5mg (off-white) and 1mg (yellow) tablets for accurate dosing without the need to split tablets.
The tablets are film-coated to mask the bitter taste of pergolide and create a barrier between the horse owner and the active ingredient.
Available in two different pack sizes containing 60 or 160 tablets, Pergocoat tablets are packaged in double layered blister packs to help minimise the risk of accidental ingestion.
Rachel Addison BVM&S MRCVS, equine field support manager at Dechra said: “Pergocoat is available in two convenient tablet sizes to achieve an optimal treatment response.
"Horses can be monitored and reviewed every four to six weeks until stabilisation or improvement of clinical signs is observed.”
https://www.dechra.co.uk/products/horse/prescription/pergocoat#Pergocoat-0-5mg-60-film-coated-tablets-for-horses.
Cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency (CCLI) affects 3% to 5% of dogs1.
Past research has demonstrated satisfactory short (6-12 weeks)2 and medium (mean 16 months)3 term outcomes for lame dogs treated with TTA.
However, Steve says there is limited research on longer (>16 months) follow-up periods.
It has also been speculated that dogs with tibial plateau angles (TPA) of greater than 30⁰ are not well suited for a TTA4.
For the study5, the researchers reviewed patient records for a total of 149 TTA-Rapid procedures carried out in 120 dogs over an 80 month period.
They also reviewed owner questionnaires that evaluated the outcome of at least six months after surgery, using a validated clinical metrology instrument, Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD).
Follow-up questionnaires were received from owners of 64 of the 120 dogs (53.3%), with a median follow-up time of 37.5 months.
This cohort included a wide range of breeds, aged between 2&12 years and with bodyweights ranging from 6.3 to 41.8kg.
The dogs included 37 females and 27 males, and of the 79 limbs treated in these dogs, 41 were left and 38 were right.
The researchers found 26 of the dogs (40.6%) had a TTA performed with a TPA less than 30◦ and 38 (59.4%) with a TPA of 30◦ or more.
Of the 79 procedures, meniscal injury was noted in 27 (34.2%), surgery to stabilise the patella was required in 11 (13.9%), there was one surgical site infection (treated successfully with a short course of antibiotics), one dog sustained a fracture of the tibial seven days after surgery, and one sustained a late meniscal tear 12 months after initial surgery (treated successfully by partial meniscectomy).
The outcome was judged to be satisfactory, based on frequency of lameness, in 63 (98.4%), while satisfactory outcomes were achieved in 61 (95.3%) based on severity of lameness and in 50 (78.1%) based on mobility score.
Statistical analysis showed that age, bodyweight, tibial plateau angle (TPA), meniscal injury, and concurrent patellar surgery did not influence the outcome, but time to follow-up positively correlated with mobility score (suggesting mobility declined with time from surgery).
The researchers concluded that the long-term (median of 37.5 months) outcome for dogs undergoing TTA-Rapid for cranial cruciate ligament disease is satisfactory, with no risk factors associated with poorer outcomes identified.
The study also revealed no evidence to support the suggestion that dogs with TPAs of greater than 30◦ may be inappropriate candidates for TTA - after testing several parameters to judge outcome including frequency of lameness, severity of lameness, distance walked daily and mobility score.
Steve said: “This research is important in trying to ensure that decisions on whether to use this treatment modality, are based on sound clinical evidence.
"The only factor identified that influenced the outcome measure was that of time since surgery.
"All other factors, including TPA, had no effect on the outcome.”
References
The survey of 2717 horse owners, 56% of which were leisure owners and 35% professionals, found that most horses (62%) were retired between 15-24 years of age, mainly for health reasons.
Mares had a higher risk of retirement than geldings, which the researchers say may be due in part to mares used for breeding not doing much structured exercise.
Just over 1 in 6 horses in the study were affected by low muscle mass according to their owners.
Age, sex, osteoarthritis, laminitis, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and primary use were identified as risk factors for low muscle mass.
Geldings had a higher risk of low muscle mass than mares, which the researchers say may be a result of low testosterone.
Horses with owner-reported veterinary-diagnosed PPID, osteoarthritis and laminitis had a higher risk of low muscle mass.
Primary use was identified as a risk factor for low muscle mass, with retired horses having a higher risk than horses used for competition or pleasure riding.
Owner-reported low muscle mass was perceived to affect welfare and the ability to work in the majority of senior horses.
Alisa Herbst, who led the study, said: “A prolonged working/active life may not only be desired by owners but is also likely to provide health and welfare benefits to the horse.
"We hope the results of this study may be useful for veterinarians caring for senior and geriatric equines, by helping to achieve this."
“The information may aid in the investigation of diseases affecting senior horses and in establishing senior horse-owner education programs.
"The low muscle mass risk factor list may assist vets in identifying horses at risk of low muscle mass to be selected for close monitoring.
“Vets may also consider inclusion of an objective measurement of muscle atrophy, such as the muscle atrophy scoring system (MASS)***, in annual wellness exams, so that atrophy can be identified and managed as early as possible."
Sarah Nelson, Product Manager at Mars Horsecare added: “This survey has highlighted several interesting retirement trends.
“With a better understanding of when and why senior horses are being retired we hope, eventually, to be better placed to monitor for, prevent (where possible), and treat the underlying conditions early on, to help horses stay active and healthy for longer.”
https://www.seniorhorsehealth.com
Each candidate will produce a written reply to two questions of their choice, which will be included on their candidate profile webpage ahead of the start of the election.
The three candidates who are standing in this year’s election for the two available elected places on VN Council are:
The VN Council candidate biography and statements are available to read on www.rcvs.org.uk/vnvote24
The College says it will only accept one question per person and questions must be decent.
Offensive, defamatory and inaccurate questions will not be passed on to candidates.
You can email your question to: vnvote24@rcvs.org.uk.
Happy Snack is described as a light, delicious creamy snack which contains alpha-casozepine, a natural milk protein with claimed appeasing properties.
In a study conducted by the company, the new treat was taken by 86% of cats.
Happy Snack is suitable for cats and kittens from 12 weeks of age and can be used directly from the sachet, on food or from a finger.
Feline behaviourist, Lucy Hoile, said: “I am very excited about Happy Snack, as I think there is a real gap in the market!
"Something delicious that a person can give easily to a cat, is a great tool to help with general distraction and bond building.”
Happy Snack by Feliway is available in packs of six sachets.
www.feliway.com/uk.