Research released today by the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) reveals that only a minority of pet owners are able to identify what their pet should look like when it is at the right weight.
Eight out of 10 dog, cat and rabbit owners believe that their pet is just the right weight, but when asked which of a series of pictures most closely resembled their pet, only 33% of dog owners and 23% of cat owners chose the 'normal weight' picture.
The independent research, conducted by TNS, surveyed over 2,100 households. Other findings included:
Michael Bellingham, Chief Executive of the PFMA, said: "The figures are alarming and the problem won't go away without a fundamental shift in owners' attitude to feeding their pets. It is also worrying that most owners are not aware of the problem, because they are unable to recognise a fat pet in the first place. Perceptions of what is the correct size are seriously out of kilter with reality."
Only 25% of those surveyed said that they had ever sought advice on whether any of their pets were overweight. Up to a third admitted using trial and error when deciding how much food to give, indicating a sole reliance on their pet's appetite to determine optimium food portions. Less than a quarter referred to manufacturers advice on pet food labels, or sought advice from their vets.
Michael continued: "Thankfully, there is a solution and we have developed a tool to help owners identify the correct condition of their pet, along with steps to take if a problem exists. Prevention is at the heart of our awareness campaign. Feeding a good diet, and to the correct amount, is fundamental. And so is exercise. We know that a pet fed to its right condition will lead a longer and healthier life. Not only that, getting active with your pet can help pet owners achieve the same for themselves. We urge pet owners to start using our Pet Size-O-Meter and make sure they and their pets have the best chance for a long happy life together."
The PFMA has also produced a supporting White Paper entitled - Pet Obesity: The Reality in 2009 - which compares the obesity epidemic in humans with that of our pets. You can download it here.
The latest addition to the Bayer portfolio of educational websites for pet owners was launched this week and to mark the occasion, there are 5 digital cameras and photo frames to be won by vets and nurses.
Targeted specifically at cat owners, with a dedicated section for vets and nurses, http://www.profender.co.uk/ aims to educate owners about the importance of worming their cats and visiting their vets.
Pet owners visiting the site will be able to profile their cat to determine the optimum worm treatment regime. To help improve compliance, owners can also subscribe to a free SMS or email reminder service to alert them when a worming treatment is due.
The vet- and nurse-only section of the website contains a wealth of information, including animated worm lifecycles and details on Profender Spot-On, its formulation and mode of action.
To enter the competition to win a digital camera and photo frame, you just need to answer three questions. Click here.
Drontal has renewed sponsorship agreements with councils throughout the UK in a bid to further encourage pet owners to scoop their dogs' poop.
The support will see thousands of council dog bins featuring Drontal branding to promote best practice amongst dog owners and urge them to clean up after their pets.
Dan White, product manager for Drontal, said: "Through our dog bin sponsorship we are highlighting the importance of responsible pet ownership which includes preventing the spread of worm eggs in the environment by scooping poop."
According to Bayer, Drontal is the only wormer that kills every type of intestinal worm commonly found in UK dogs and cats.
For further information please contact your Bayer representative or log on to www.drontal.com.
Petplan is hosting a series of seminars for charity staff throughout November. The ‘All About Charities' seminars, covering the latest hot charity topics will be running on the following dates: - 12th November, Nottingham - 19th November, Edinburgh - 26th November, Bristol A variety of prominent speakers, all experts in their field, have agreed to speak covering topics such as; · Recognising problematic behaviour in sheltered animals (Sarah Heath, Veterinary Behaviourist) · Control of infection (Dr Susan Dawson, University of Liverpool) · Managing conflict - dealing with difficult visitors and potential new owners (David Smart of David Smart Associates) The seminars are a great opportunity to engage in valuable personal development for all charity staff. For full details of the seminar timetable and to book your place on the seminar, visit www.petplan.co.uk/charity and download the flyer. For seminar questions please call Petplan on 020 8580 8214 or alternatively email events@petplan.co.uk Tickets cost £25 and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis so book today!
Following discussions with the BVNA, City & Guilds has developed a new qualification for senior Veterinary Nurses: the Licentiateship in Veterinary Nursing. The qualification provides recognition of professional development for individuals who progress into more senior roles, but often have little in the way of formal recognition of the work that they undertake. The Licentiateship offers a form of recognition based around Continuing Professional Development. To qualify for the award applicants will need to meet the following criteria: A veterinary nursing qualification at NVQ level 3 or equivalent. Either: evidence of further professional development in a management or supervisory role. Or: evidence of at least five years CPD in which applicants have progressed into a supervisory or management role. The Licentiateship is used in over 70 different vocational sectors to recognise professional excellence. City & Guilds Senior awards are offered by a variety of organisations to recognise the mix of high levels of academic and professional skills, but which do not necessarily carry formal recognition. One of the sectors within which the Licentiateship is popular is Health and Social Care. This is an area with many people qualified with an NVQ level at level 3 but where further qualifications are often not available, or fail to reflect individuals' career aspirations. The Licentiateship has proved popular as it takes account of previous qualifications whilst allowing recognition of ongoing professional development. As well as gaining a certificate and post nominal letters, Senior Award recipients are invited to attend the annual City & Guilds graduation ceremony in the Merchant Taylors Hall in the City of London. In May 2008 over 180 candidates received their awards and were able to share the experience with their friends and family. City & Guilds Senior awards are offered under Royal Charter in recognition of academic ability and professional skills at the three levels of Licentiateship (LCGI), Graduateship (GCGI) and Membership MCGI). For more information please contact Patrick Sherlock, City and Guilds, 1 Giltspur Street, London EC1A 9DD, E. patrick.sherlock@cityandguilds.com, T. 020 7294 8220 Or visit: www.cityandguilds.com/seniorawards
Petplan is delighted to announce Kelly Cummings has won the Petplan Insurance Advisor of the Year Award. She was presented with her award at the BVNA ceremony on Saturday 11th October. This award recognises the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners as a means of financial protection. Simon Wheeler, Head of Marketing at Petplan said: "Kelly is a great advocate for pet insurance. Establishing pet insurance as part of the culture in her practice made Kelly stand out as an ambassador for others to follow. As practice manager of Albavets in Glasgow, Kelly leads by example to ensure pet insurance benefits both clients and the veterinary practice itself." The other finalists were Fiona Andrew from Tay Valley Veterinary Centre in Perth and Helen Rosser from Blythman & Partners in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The award was judged by last year's winner Sally Harrison, President of VPMA, Sarah Hibbert and Vicky Field of Petplan. This award coincides with the launch of Petplan's new and improved online training course for PIAs which allows nurses to continue their personal development training and earn valuable CPD points. The scheme helps practices offer the complete package of knowledge to pet owners and encourages clients to return as they know that the practice goes that extra mile to help with all their needs - clinical as well as financial. To find out more about how to become a PIA, log onto http://www.petplanpia.co.uk/ and if you register before the 31st December 2008 you will be entered into a free prize draw with a chance to win a laptop!
The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is touring the UK, hosting a series of careers events to encourage more young people to consider studying in a veterinary-related field.
The events give young people the opportunity to find out what a veterinary career involves. The College also hopes to impress upon future students that a veterinary education can be used qualify them for a diverse range of professions, and being a vet or vet nurse are just two of these.
The RVC is particularly keen to promote its BSc in Veterinary Nursing and its BSc in Veterinary Science (a bio-science degree). Click here for more information and tour dates.
An interesting survey from Freedom Food has shown how little the public knows about farm animals:
Mind you, some pretty obscure facts here. I wonder how many vets would have known all the answers.
The Scottish SPCA has called for parents across Scotland to take more responsibility for the behaviour of their children after another sickening catalogue of violence against animals over the past year.
Launched during Scottish Animal Week, the charity's plea is supported by shocking statistics which show that attacks have risen by almost 20 percent compared to the last two years and that even more are taking place during school holidays.
In the twelve months since August 2006, staff answering the Scottish SPCA's Animal Helpline dealt with 233 calls relating to youngsters tormenting, abusing and even killing domestic pets, farm animals and wildlife.
More than a third of these - 85 - were received during school breaks, with 58 recorded over the summer. Attacks included swans being killed with airguns and shot with crossbows, cats being targeted with airguns, hedgehogs being kicked to death and animals being terrorised, with one being killed, in a wildlife park.
The Scottish SPCA has also been involved this year in cases involving deer being shot and killed having wandered into urban areas, dogs being beaten and a lamb being set on fire.
Virbac has launched Propofol-Lipuro Vet, a short-acting intravenously administered and short-term maintenance general anaesthetic for use in dogs and cats.
Propofol-Lipuro Vet contains no preservatives so its use can be repeated, even in cats, for continuous rate infusion. No age restrictions apply to the animals it can be used for and it can be administered for induction prior to Caesarean section.
Virbac Product Manager Kate Woolley MRCVS said: "Propofol is a well-established solution for short-acting anaesthesia in many practices. Propofol-Lipuro Vet complements Virbac's anaesthesia range which now offers total control of analgesia, sedation, intravenous and gaseous anaesthesia, and recovery."
Propofol-Lipuro Vet is available in boxes of 10 x 20 ml bottles.
Ceva Animal Health has extended its Meloxidyl dogs and cats’ range with the launch of a new 5ml Meloxidyl oral suspension for cats.
The company says the new bottle size will provide more prescription options for veterinary practices currently stocking 15ml bottles and is a perfect post-surgery size to send patients home with. The bottles are also clear brown in colour; designed to make it easier for cat owners to see how much liquid is left in each bottle.
Meloxidyl oral suspension for cats contains meloxicam for the alleviation of pain and inflammation. It is licensed for the treatment of musculo-skeletal disorders and the alleviation of post-operative pain.
Rob McLintock, business unit manager at Ceva Animal Health said: "The new 5ml Meloxidyl oral suspension for cats’ bottle will provide veterinary practices with more prescription options for the management and alleviation of pain and inflammation in cats."
To support the launch of the new 5ml Meloxidyl presentation, Ceva is running a competition to win one of five BSAVA Manuals of Anaesthesia and Analgesia by answering one question: ‘How many millilitres are in the new Meloxidyl cat bottle’?
To enter the competition, email analgesics-group@ceva.com. Include ‘Meloxidyl competition’ in the subject line and contact details and the answer to the question in the main body of the email.
For further information on Ceva’s analgesic product range, contact your local Ceva territory manager, email analgesics-group@ceva.com or call 01494 781510.
Virbac has announced the launch of Speed Trio, an in-house diagnostic test to enable the detection of FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus) antigens; anti-FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) and anti-FCoV (Feline Coronavirus) antibodies in 15 minutes.
The company says Speed Trio is designed to facilitate the diagnosis of immunosuppressive diseases, such as FIP (feline infectious peritonitis); when a cat tests positive for Feline Coronavirus and either FeLV or FIV it is at increased risk of developing FIP¹ and serological testing for all three diseases is the logical step.
Virbac says it has also enhanced the entire Speed range to further improve the readability of the tests and the brightness of the test bands.
Product Manager Madeline Haynes said: "The Speed range, which has been proven in practice for more than 20 years, offers a comprehensive suite of in-house diagnostic tests, which are easy to perform and highly cost-effective to use in practice.
"Speed Trio is not only a unique test combination that helps to facilitate diagnosis of immunosuppressive diseases but also boosts client satisfaction and can support practice profitability."
Reference
Vet's Now, the UK's leading Out of Hours emergency vets, reports that their 4th Congress, held in Harrogate at the end of November, attracted a record 450 delegates.
From its beginnings back in 2004, Vets Now's Emergency and Critical Care Congress this year attracted in excess of 450 delegates to Harrogate with an impressive and exciting line up of speakers from the UK, Europe and the USA.
Similar to previous years, lectures were delivered by an exciting line up of speakers from around Europe and the USA. They were designed to suit the CPD needs of both those working in an emergency field and in general practice, and were aimed at vets, VNs and reception staff. Lecture topics this year covered a range of life saving procedures and there were also sessions held on improving communications with clients, emergency workshops on tubes, case report discussions, a transfusion workshop and a bereavement session.
The social programme also proved a big attraction for everyone who attended Congress and this year there was an entertaining Television Games Quiz on the Wednesday evening followed by a formal dinner and entertainment on the Thursday night.
With numbers of both delegates and exhibitors increasing year on year, Vets Now is confident that its Congress is becoming a highly important date in the veterinary events calendar.
In response to a national shortage of qualified veterinary nurses, the Royal Veterinary College has announced its new combined vet nursing programme. From September 2008, the college will offer a newly developed BSc programme in veterinary nursing in addition to the Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing that the college currently offers.
The foundation degree takes two and a half years, and on completion, allows graduates to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RVCS) and practice as veterinary nurses. The advantage of the new scheme is that all students study for the foundation degree and then if they are successful, have the opportunity to top up to a BSc.
"There is a significant need for more qualified veterinary nurses," said Hilary Orpet, Veterinary Nursing course leader at the RVC. "We have made changes to our vet nursing programmes in order to help meet industry's needs by attracting more students, and the current shortage of vet nurses means there are lots of opportunities for them upon graduation.
"Both courses provide an intense, thorough, practical education in vet nursing. The advantage of studying to BSc level is that the qualification can open doors into other related careers like academia, research or work in the pharmaceutical industry."
The programme includes 70 weeks practical training at a range of veterinary practices, including the RVC's own world-leading hospitals. "The hands-on experience ensures that students gain a real insight into the day-to-day role of vet nurses," said Ms Orpet. "They get the chance to put their knowledge into practice and gain experience in common vet nursing activities."
Will Stevenson, BVetMed MRCVS, a graduate of the RVC and now director of his own practice, sees the importance of attracting more vet nurses into the industry. "Veterinary nurses are an essential part of any practice team," he explains. "They undertake the intensive nursing care of hospitalised patients, are heavily involved in surgical and medical procedures from start to finish, and take care of the everyday running of the practice. All of this, combined with client communication, means any practice would be unable to function without its nurses." Students can apply now for 2008 entry. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and hold a minimum of 5 GCSES, an A-level or equivalent qualification and have two weeks work experience at a veterinary practice.
To compliment the existing veterinary nursing provision on offer at the RVC, from summer 2008 NVQ qualified veterinary nurses will have the opportunity to enroll on a Graduate Diploma in Professional and Clinical Veterinary Nursing to enhance their skills and qualifications.
For more information on the vet nursing courses offered at the RVC please see http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Schools/VetNursing/Index.cfm.
Hill's Pet Nutrition has launched two new websites - www.myhillspuppy.com and www.myhillskitten.com - which are devoted to giving puppies and kittens their best start in life. The sites provide pet owners with information, advice and support they need during the first year of their pet's life covering everything from choosing their puppy or kitten through to when to vaccinate their pet and diet and nutrition advice.
The websites also encourage owners to register for regular email newsletters to help keep them up-to-date with their puppy or kitten's changing needs and the importance of their pet's key milestones. Consisting of information on vaccination, neutering, dental care and the importance of regular health checks, the newsletters will encourage owners to take advantage of products and services available from veterinary practices.
"Our new puppy and kitten websites provide pet owners with a wide range of easy to understand healthcare information which will help encourage them to stay loyal to their practice and following vet and vet nurse's advice," comments Libby Sheridan, UK veterinary affairs manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition.
For more information on the Hill's Pet Nutrition websites or range of products, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438.
An English entrepreneur, Alison Vaughan, has just launched Muksak, a new product to make it easier to clear up dog mess when you're out walking the dog. I was about to poo poo this idea (sorry). Having been brought up in the countryside, and stepped in countless 'meadow muffins', I find it difficult to understand why so many people seem to get themselves into such a froth about canine offerings. But I suppose it's a question of context, and even I have to agree that people should clear up after their dogs in places where children play, like parks and beaches. Then I was thinking 'what's wrong with the existing solution to the problem, the plastic poo bag?' Well, I don't have much experience of handling dog mess, but if my 10 month old's nappies are anything to go by, bags are singularly ineffective at containing smells. Besides which, handling faeces through thin plastic is never a particularly enjoyable experience. So perhaps these things are a good idea after all. In fact, I think I'm going to order one for my wife. For veterinary practices, they could offer quite a good marketing opportunity: brand them with your practice logo, and sell them at cost (or perhaps even below cost). The PR value of all those pet owners out strolling with practice-branded Muksaks would be worth its weight. For more information please phone Alison Vaughan on 01209 890696 or email alison@muksak.com
Merial Animal Health, manufacturers of FRONTLINE Combo® and FRONTLINE® Spot On flea treatments, has announced that Nicci Hawes (pictured right with son Sam and Merial representative James Woolley), head nurse at Barton Lodge Veterinary Centre, Hemel Hempstead, has won a competition for the best description of the flea lifecycle, held on the company's stand at BVNA Congress last year. Nicci's correct explanation of the flea lifecycle led to her winning entry being drawn from over 500 vet nurses who entered the competition to win a weekend break for two worth £500.
A special interest group has been established for vets, veterinary nurses and chartered physiotherapists interested in the rehabilitation of diseased and injured animals. 'Physiovet UK' aims to provide practical training in the field of veterinary rehabilitation and pain management.
The group's inaugural CPD meeting takes place on Wednesday 20th May this year in Cardiff and will be led by specialist in small animal surgery (orthopedics) Steve Butterworth and veterinary rehabilitation specialist Lowri Davies. Sponsored by Hill's Pet Nutrition and Merial Animal Health, the meeting will cost £80 for members or £100 for non-members (ex VAT) for the day long event. Membership of the group costs £50.
Lowri Davies, a founder member of Physiovet said: "At this first meeting, the focus is on helping to develop a protocol for diagnosis and management strategies for conditions of the hock, shoulder and lumbosacral cases. Practitioners will recognise that these are commonly occurring conditions that are often managed conservatively but treatment need not stop with a prescription of 'rest'. We will be describing a range of active interventions that build strength, flexibility and general fitness appropriate to lame animals to help restore function and mobility."
For a downloadable registration form for the event, to join as a member or for further information about the group visit http://www.physiovet.co.uk/. Places at the meeting can also be booked by calling 01626 867614 or by contacting kathrin@linhayvet.co.uk.
The Blue Cross, Britain's pet charity, has presented its Veterinary Nurse of the Year Award to Anna Hatchett (below, centre) for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Whitby, North Yorkshire. The award was presented during the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) annual congress in Kettering, Northamptonshire on 21 October by TV vet Scott Miller and Blue Cross director of veterinary services, Voigt.
Voigt (above, right) of The Blue Cross explained: "This annual award recognises the hard work and talent exhibited by veterinary nurses throughout the country. Anna's commitment to help educate people about responsible pet ownership demonstrates a real understanding of the important bond that people share with their pets." Anna was nominated by two vets, Edward Gillams and Kate Loomes, who previously worked with her at The Beck Veterinary Practice in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Mr Gillams remarked: "Anna has given the practice 10 years of selfless dedication and hard work. She always finds time to discuss pets with their owners, be it while running puppy parties, weight clinics or while in reception dealing with appointments." Ms Loomes added: "Anna is an exceptionally dedicated and talented nurse. She has an amazing memory for clients and takes time to enquire as to how their individual pets are. She doesn't hesitate to take in and care for stray and lost animals and works well over her working hours when animals are in need of help." Commenting on her award, Anna said: "I was very touched when I found out I'd been nominated and absolutely thrilled to have won. I have been a veterinary nurse for more than a decade now and can't think of a more rewarding job - it's just a case of doing what comes naturally!"
Prilactone®, the world's first aldosterone antagonist licensed for the treatment of canine heart disease, has been introduced by CEVA Animal Health.
Clinical trials have demonstrated that the product, which contains spironolactone, can improve quality of life and help to reduce the mortality risk in canine heart disease patients.
Fraser Broadfoot BVetMed GPCert(SAP) MRCVS explains "Spironolactone is considered as part of standard disease therapy in humans, where studies have demonstrated a 30% reduction in the risk of mortality when it is used in addition to ACE inhibitors and furosemide. The results of clinical trials performed by CEVA Santé Animale have demonstrated even more dramatic benefits in the dog. In short, the trials show that dogs with heart failure receiving Prilactone®, in combination with an ACE inhbitor and furosemide, demonstrated a 65% reduction in the risk of mortality compared with dogs receiving a placebo. Their quality of life was also improved." The beef-flavoured tablets are scored for easy breaking and come in three sizes for the precise dosing of all sizes of dog. In addition, the medication only needs to be given once daily with food and is designed to be given alongside standard first-line therapy for heart disease.
For further information about Prilactone®, please contact CEVA Animal Health on (01494) 781510.
Note 1 CEVA registration dossier. The trials were carried out on 221 dogs diagnosed with heart disease. The animals treated with Prilactone®, in conjunction with ACE inhibitors and /or furosemide over a period of 14-15 months, demonstrated a three times reduction in the risk of death compared with the placebo group. Note 2 Wood Mackenzie, Cardiovascular Insight, July 2007
During November the RSPCA is running a national survey to identify the animal welfare issues that worry the public, and the charity is offering a free designer t-shirt in return for taking part. To take part in the survey, call the RSPCA on 0300 123 8888 for a copy of its national animal welfare questionnaire to complete and post back. In return, you'll receive a T-shirt designed by Hemingway Design (pictured right). Wayne Hemingway was a judge at this year's RSPCA Good Business Awards and is against the use of animal fur in fashion. Commenting on the campaign, Louise Richmond, RSPCA said: "Foot and mouth and bluetongue are all over our screens at the moment but we want to find out more about what really concerns people about animal welfare. Whether it's fur in fashion, intensive farming, badger culling or dogs left in hot cars we want to know what it is that will best encourage the British public to back our campaign." For more information, visit: http://www.therspca.co.uk/tshirt/
Pet healthcare insurance provider, Pet Protect has analysed its 2007 claims for pet rabbits, concluding that that one in four relate to dietary issues and, in particular, obesity. Rabbits are now the third most popular of British pets, with nearly 2 million pet rabbits in the UK. An estimated 30% of domestic rabbits are obese, according to the Rabbit Welfare Association.
Throughout November and December Petplan is offering its Appointed Representative (AR) practices the chance to win an extra 5000 Portfolio credits worth £200, by arranging an annual policy using Petplan's RapidApp.
Using the individual practice number on the RapidApp, Petplan will automatically enter the surgery into the prize draw.
To redeem your credits, choose an item from the newly updated Portfolio catalogue and give the Petplan Helpline a call on 01920 462 100. Practices or staff can receive anything from Love2shop vouchers to an Apple iPod Video and there are 50 pages full of items that credits can be redeemed against.
Practices can still earn Portfolio credits every time they issue a cover note but only those using RapidApp will be entered into the draw. Furthermore, if you use RapidApp, the owner will benefit from the first two months cover absolutely free.
The Petplan Portfolio scheme rewards practices for introducing their clients to Petplan. The number of Portfolio credits awarded varies depending on whether practices issue an annual policy or a 6 week cover note, and practices can exchange credits for a multitude of items including practice equipment and high street vouchers.
To be included in the draw practices need to be an Appointed Representative (AR) of Petplan and issue cover through RapidApp. To discuss becoming an AR, please contact Petplan's exclusive veterinary support line, Vetline on 0800 316 8800 to arrange for a local Business Developer to contact you.
Claire Fraser, RVN, MBVNA, took over as President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association for the coming year at the BVNA AGM held on 21 October 2007 at the Annual BVNA Congress. Claire qualified as a VN in 1990 and worked in general veterinary practice for six years, when she took up the position of Lecturer and Course Tutor at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, where she gained D32/33 units and the FAETC. She then moved in 2000 to Guernsey where she worked as a practice tutor and set up and ran the PreVN (now ANA)/SVN training side. During this time, Claire became BVNA Regional Co-ordinator (RCO) for the Channel Islands, until 2003, when she was elected onto the BVNA Council. Claire moved back to the UK in 2004 and now works as an Internal Verifier for MYF Training in Aldershot. "I am extremely lucky to have a job I enjoy and an employer that allows me to be flexible, so I can fit in my new role as BVNA President," said Claire. "I have also achieved the V1 award, which has kept me up-to0-date with the quality assurance process and ensures that I continue to provide my assessors and students with the right support and guidance." The out-going President, Julia Gordon, who held this post for the past two years, moves to the advisory role of Senior Vice President.