The RCVS has announced the candidates standing in the RCVS Council and Veterinary Nurses Council elections this year and is inviting veterinary surgeons and nurses to put their questions to them directly for a video reply.
There are eleven candidates standing for election to RCVS Council in 2015. Overall there are six men and five women, which include two existing Council members eligible for re-election and nine new candidates. They are:
Three veterinary nurses are standing in this year's VN Council elections, including one existing VN Council member eligible for re-election. They are:
Ballot papers and candidates' details are due to be posted to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote during the week commencing 16th March, and all votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday, 24 April 2015.
Once again the College is inviting members of both professions to 'Quiz the candidates' by putting their questions directly to all those standing for election. Each candidate will then be invited to choose two questions to answer from all those received, and produce a video or audio recording of their answers. All recordings will be published on the RCVS website on Thursday 19 March.
Vets and nurses should email their question (NB one per person) to vetvote15@rcvs.org.uk or VNvote15@rcvs.org.uk, or post it on twitter using the hashtags #vetvote15 or #VNvote15, respectively, by midday on Monday 9 March.
Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar said: "It's important that members of the veterinary professions choose who they want to sit on their governing Councils, so we always try to make the elections as interesting and engaging as possible.
"This year, we hope the provision of short videos, to accompany the usual written information, will encourage people to find out a little more about all those standing for election, and then use their vote."
Burgess Pet Care has announced that it'll be running Rabbit Awareness Week (RAW) from 9th - 17th May.
Last year, almost 3,000 veterinary practices signed up to participate in the initiative by offering free health checks for rabbits for the whole of May.
Burgess points to a study published at the end of last year: The current state of welfare, housing and husbandry of the English pet rabbit population, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Bristol for the RSPCA. Dr. Jane Tyson, Rabbit Behaviour and Welfare Expert at the RSPCA, said: "The study showed that 59% of rabbits live in hutches and less than a quarter of rabbits have continual access to an exercise area*. Rabbits should have constant access to an appropriate exercise area to allow them to exhibit their natural behaviours and for their mental and physical wellbeing."
The report highlights the need to educate rabbit owners on the housing, exercise and foraging needs of rabbits, so the focus of RAW this year is on improving rabbits' environment.
Other organisations partnering with Burgess for the initiative include: MSD Animal Health - the producers of Panacur Rabbit, the RSPCA, the PSDA, the Blue Cross, Wood Green and the RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund).
Suzanne Moyes, Veterinary Manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: "It is fantastic that RAW keeps on growing and is going from strength to strength. We hope to increase the number of vet practices, rescue centres, schools and retailers signing up this year and attract new corporate partners to make it even bigger and better.
"The sole aim of RAW is to educate owners about responsible rabbit ownership and improve the wellbeing of one of Britain's most popular pets. It couldn't be easier for vets to sign up to offer free health checks and help us educate the nation on rabbit health and welfare."
Vets, rescue centres, schools and retailers can sign up to RAW 2015 by visiting,www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk. Supporters will receive free support kits which include posters and leaflets.
Reference
The International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM), the veterinary division of International Cat Care, has published Consensus Guidelines on the Practical Management of Diabetes Mellitus in Cats to help veterinary teams deliver optimal management for the diabetic cats presented in practice.
The guidelines were produced by an expert panel of veterinary clinicians and academics who reviewed clinical research studies to collate the best available evidence. They've been published in the March 2015 issue of the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery (JFMS) and are available to download free from http://jfm.sagepub.com/content/17/3/235.full.pdf+html.
The guidelines focus on the most important aspects of managing diabetic cats including weight control, use of an appropriate diet, insulin therapy (highlighting the value of longer acting insulin preparations) and close monitoring of blood glucose concentrations (including in the home environment).
The ISFM says the guidelines recognise that good diabetic control requires a long-term commitment and one of the keys to success is finding a treatment protocol that best fits in with owners' daily lives. Furthermore, owners may give up on treatment, or even elect for euthanasia of the cat, if the disease impacts too negatively on them and their relationship with their cat. However, with appropriate support and guidance from their veterinary practice, an owner can play an invaluable role in managing diabetes. A well-regulated cat will have a better prognosis and may also be more likely to go into diabetic remission, no longer requiring ongoing insulin therapy.
Among the resources available to assist owners of diabetic cats is a series of short videos produced by International Cat Care (available at http://www.youtube.com/iCatCare) demonstrating blood glucose sampling, insulin injection, and urine collection and testing.
BCF Technology has launched a series of free canine X-ray positioning guides which are now available to download from www.bcftechnology.com.
The company says the guides are designed to provide a quick, easy-to-use reference to help you get the best radiographic views possible, every time.
BCF in-house radiographer Kat Evans said: "At BCF, we understand that capturing a great X-ray isn't just about having the best equipment; good positioning is crucial, these easy-to-use guides will help vets and vet nurses to create the very best radiograph."
BCF in-house vet Ben Sullivan added: "At BCF we are committed to improving the standards of radiography in the veterinary profession. We aim to help our customers make the very most of their equipment. This is why we are committed to supporting ongoing education and training. You will find a huge range of learning materials on our website aimed at helping you to develop further your veterinary ultrasonography and radiography abilities.
Full small animal and equine positional guides are in-built into the software of all CR X-ray systems available from BCF.
For more information, visit www.bcftechnology.com or call +44(0)1506 460 023.
Kirsty and Susan scored 995 and 923 votes respectively.
The unsuccessful candidate, Stuart Miller, scored 669 votes.
In total, 1,710 RVNs cast their vote, narrowly beating the previous record low turnout of 7.5% in 2012.
By comparison, the largest turnout was 17.1% in 2020.
Kirsty and Susan will take up their post at the RCVS Annual General Meeting, which is open to all vet nurses to attend on Friday 5th July at the Royal Institute of British Architects.
www.rcvs.org.uk/vnvote24
MWI Veterinary Supply Inc, the parent company of Centaur Services, has acquired practice management software company Vetspace in order to offer practices wholesaler services that are better integrated with their practice management system.
Vetspace, formerly Jupiter Systems, has been developing and providing server and cloud-based practice management software for veterinary practices since 1989. There are over 1,000 installations of Vetspace's software solutions in the UK.
The recent acquisition by MWI Veterinary Supply sees Vetspace joining a group of companies including Centaur Services and Securos, a manufacturer and supplier of veterinary orthopedic solutions.
Centaur Services' core business is the daily delivery of products required by UK veterinary practices. MWI says Vetspace customers will now benefit from an enhanced level of customer service, innovative product development, technological investment and an opportunity for greater integration between their practice management software and wholesaler - all backed by the experience and investment of a global parent company.
Centaur Services customers may continue to use any other practice management system, whilst Vetspace customers may continue to work with other wholesalers. Brian Topper, Managing Director of Centaur Services said: "We're very pleased to be able to offer our customers throughout the UK the opportunity to further enhance and streamline their practices by integrating their practice management system and wholesaler solution. Our focus is on delivering a high quality service that's accurate and reliable and we believe that aligning our offer with that of Vetspace will have major benefits for the future of both ours and our customers' businesses."
Nader Pour of Vetspace added: "Having been at the forefront of practice management software for the past 25 years we are delighted to be joining the MWI Veterinary Supply group and working with the likes of Centaur Services to further develop the benefits we're able to offer our customers for the next 25 years and beyond."
Picture shows, left to right: Brian Topper, Centaur Services, Nader Pour, Vetspace and Jim Cleary, CEO of MWI.
The RCVS has announced that it is to host an open day on Monday 15 December for those members of the veterinary and veterinary nursing professions who are interested in joining the College’s Preliminary Investigation Committee (PIC), Disciplinary Committee (DC) or Veterinary Nurse Preliminary Investigation Committee (VN PIC).
In January 2015 the College will be looking to recruit veterinary members for PIC and DC following a legislative reform order last year to reconstitute them separately from RCVS Council. This means that the committees must be made up of veterinary and lay members who are not on Council and members will be appointed on the advice of an independent selection committee.
The RCVS will be seeking to recruit four veterinary surgeons for DC as well as three veterinary surgeons for PIC. At the same time the College will be recruiting two registered veterinary nurses and a veterinary surgeon for VN PIC. Applications are particularly sought from practising or recently retired clinicians.
The Open Day (at Belgravia House from 9.30am to 4pm) will provide the opportunity for those who are interested in applying to hear from current members of each committee about what being a committee member is really like and the type of cases dealt with. Recruitment consultants will also be on hand to explain the hiring process and attendees will have the opportunity to put questions to Gordon Hockey, RCVS Registrar.
Those who are interested in attending the Open Day should contact Peris Dean, Executive Secretary, on p.dean@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0761 to register an interest or request an agenda.
Dechra Veterinary Products has announced that it is to relaunch Fuciderm Gel, the topical skin product used to treat surface pyoderma in dogs, as Isaderm.
Isaderm contains fusidic acid, which Dechra says is highly effective against the bacteria Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, and the steroid betamethasone, which is both an anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic.
Available as a white translucent gel in 15 g and 30 g tubes, Isaderm is a topical treatment which can be applied directly and stays on the affected area – the base of Isaderm is a carbomer gel which maintains contact on skin and wet lesions.
Dechra Dermatology Brand Manager Roger Brown said: “Fuciderm is one of our most popular products. As part of an international Dechra rebranding programme the name will now be Isaderm® but veterinary professionals can be assured that the only thing about the product that has changed is the name.
“This treatment was the subject of a multi-centre UK trial* comparing treatment of surface pyoderma with the gel or systemic therapy, and the gel product was shown to be as effective as systemic therapy.”
For further information, visit www.dechra.co.uk
The Diabetic Clinical Score is a quick, standardised scoring system to record the clinical signs of diabetes in a patient, which was designed by Royal Veterinary College Internal Medicine Specialist Dr. Stijn Niessen.
The scoring system has been turned into a pet diabetes app which allows clients to record and monitor the impact of treatment.
CVS' aim is to use the recently validated tool in over 80% of patient cases to improve the treatment and control of diabetes whilst supporting the practice team to develop their skills in managing the condition.
Participating practices will use the DCS, alongside blood glucose measurements, to diagnose and monitor patients.
Veterinary nurses will refer animals coming in for six-monthly Healthy Pet Club check-ups to a vet for a possible diabetes diagnosis, whilst vets diagnosing diabetes will introduce owners and patients to the DCS to record a diabetes log, to help manage the condition.
To upskill and develop colleagues in the use of the DCS, dedicated vet and nurse training sessions have been held by the clinical leadership team, including a kick-off ‘diabetes day’ which focussed on current thinking and introduced the DCS tool.
CVS teams have also grouped together to agree a coordinated approach to managing pets with diabetes in their practice.
Supporting diabetes resources have also been drafted for practices, including new clinical guidelines, supporting paperwork and CPD.
Lara Wilson, Regional Clinical Lead at CVS said: “Diabetes is notoriously difficult to diagnose and different vets can use different approaches to managing cases.
“The Diabetic Clinical Score will help the whole team around the patient – the owner, vet and veterinary nurse – to effectively and cohesively manage their care.
It will implement joined-up thinking and help to put a standardised disease management framework in place.
“It will be fantastic to see the benefits that the Diabetic Clinical Score will bring to our patients and practices.
"I am certain that this will help contribute towards them providing some of the best diabetes clinical diagnosis and care in our profession.”
Heath Vets, a Cardiff-based veterinary group, has announced that is has become the first veterinary group in Wales to appoint designated customer care personnel, enabling it to take on and beat the corporates at customer service.
Leanne Kiddie was appointed Customer Care Manager, tasked with ensuring the group delivers excellent customer service across its four sites, after the veterinary group identified customer service as their key driver to retaining customers, attracting new customers and sustaining growth.
Gavin Hill-John (pictured right with Leanne), Operations Director at Heath Vets said: "We want to put our customers at the forefront of our service. The traditional veterinary practice model was based around territory; you had one vet practice in an area and local people used it. They weren’t challenged on customer service as we are today. Having Leanne as our dedicated Customer Care Manager will help us set Heath Vets apart from other practices. Whilst we may not be able to compete with the buying power of some national chains, we can certainly beat them at customer service."
Heath Vets says it is now developing its engagement with customers regarding future plans; using their comments and feedback to shape the practice.
Gavin added: "We are aiming to deliver a level of engagement with our customers that no other vet practice has seen before. We’re hosting cheese and wine functions where customers can come in, enjoy our festive hospitality, and speak with the staff about their pet’s issues. We not only want to work with our customers, but we want to get to know them."
Gavin says he believes Heath Vets can challenge all competitors when it comes to customer service: ‘‘My vision for the role is that across all four sites we should be delivering outstanding customer service, consistently. To achieve that aim, everybody needs to be highly skilled, trained, motivated and engaged. For us, it’s about recognising that we have a hugely impressive team that are focussed on delivering high quality customer service. National chains have investors and shareholders to please; we have our customers.’’
Docsinnovent has launched a v-gel rabbit dentistry educational training video.
The four minute video shows how to obtain a safer anaesthesia airway using the v-gel supraglottic airway device in rabbit dentistry procedures. It's the second in the series, after the cat dental video.
In addition, the company has published a further six short videos to help you in sizing, securing and comparing the v-gel.
All videos have now been uploaded to the new Veterinary Demonstrations Gallery on vetnurse.co.uk.
Lintbells Veterinary has announced the launch of Yurelieve, a feline urinary health supplement containing multiple glycosaminoglycans, L-tryptophan and EFAs.
Andrew Connolly, Product Manager at Lintbells Veterinary said: "Yurelieve supports a condition which is not only frustrating to treat, but can also be distressing for the cat and their owners. The launch of Yurelieve will enable veterinary surgeons to offer their clients the most comprehensive feline urinary health support available."
Yurelieve contains Green Lipped Mussel, which Lintbells says provides a unique combination of Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA and ETA) to aid the cat’s own natural anti-inflammatory process. In addition, the product contains multiple GAGs and N-acetyl D-glucosamine to support the bladder lining, and L-tryptophan which the company says is proven to decrease stress related behaviours in cats.
To mark the launch of the new supplement, Lintbells is running a Facebook competition in which vets and nurses are invited to share photos of their cats, with a statement that captures their unique personality.
Andrew continued: “When cats are affected by a urinary condition, it takes their independence and personality away from them, so we wanted to celebrate the importance of allowing cats to be their natural charismatic selves with a photo competition starring everyone’s feline friends.”
To enter the competition, post a photo of a beloved cat with a caption that captures their unique personality, starting with ‘I believe…’ to the Lintbells Vet Facebook page (www.facebook.com/lintbellsvet). The best will win a Pampurrrr Spa Day for 2.
Yurelieve is available from your veterinary wholesaler now, in packs of 30 capsules.
For more information on Yurelieve speak to your Lintbells Business Development Executive or call 01462 790886.
Veterinary nurses who wish to remain on the RCVS Register/List of Veterinary Nurses are reminded that their renewal fees need to be paid to the College by 31 December 2014.
Letters have been sent to 938 registered/listed veterinary nurses whose fees are outstanding, reminding them that the annual renewal fee of £61 needs to be paid – and cleared – by the end of this year.
The renewal fee can be paid online via the ‘My Account’ area (www.rcvs.org.uk/login), using the login details which were sent to all listed/registered veterinary nurses in September.
As well as paying the fee, all veterinary nurses will need to confirm their registration details and correspondence address while registered veterinary nurses will need to declare any convictions, cautions and/or adverse findings and confirm they have complied with the RCVS continuing professional development requirement of 45 hours over a three-year period.
Any veterinary nurses who have not received their login details, or who have misplaced them, should contact the RCVS Registration Department by telephone on 020 7202 0707.
For payments made by cheque, the name of the veterinary nurse and the ID number included in the annual renewal letter needs to be written on the back. Cheques need to be received by the RCVS before Friday 19 December and the payment to have cleared by 31 December.
Veterinary nurses in need of further guidance on paying their annual renewal fee should contact the RCVS Finance Department on finance@rcvs.org.uk or 020 7202 0723.
The RCVS has published a summary of the goings on at its 6 November meeting.
Amongst other things, Council agreed to continue to display postnominals in the Register, undertake a consultation on whether members should be able to use the courtesy title 'doctor' and make amendments to the College's current registration regulations.
In addition,
More information about these decisions can be found in the latest edition of RCVS News, copies of which have been sent to all veterinary surgeons and listed/registered veterinary nurses.
The full papers for the Council meeting can be found on the RCVS website at www.rcvs.org.uk/about-us/rcvs-council/council-meetings
Vétoquinol (maker of Propalin) has announced the launch of a new canine urinary incontinence support website for pet owners.
canineui.co.uk contains information about the causes, diagnostic methods and treatment options for canine urinary incontinence. It also includes tips for living with a dog with the condition.
To help spread the word to owners and raise the awareness that this new resource is available, Vétoquinol is offering posters for your practice, together with business cards displaying the website address.
To obtain your copy call the Vétoquinol head office on 01280 825497 and quote 'Canine UI Poster'.
The Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS) has published its 2014 Salaries Survey which showed that the gender pay gap has closed from 15% last year to 10.8% this.
However, the association notes that this is still slightly higher than the gap reported for all professions in the UK, so there remains work to be done.
The survey, which is the largest of its kind and drew responses from 1,878 vets, nurses, practice managers and receptionists also found that:
Peter Brown, SPVS Treasurer and author of the report comments: "The SPVS Salaries Survey is intended as a benchmark to give some indication of what is being paid as the 'going rate' rather than to advise on what employees should be paid. Having said that, we would urge all veterinary practices to continue working to ensure that equal rates of pay are given for positions of equal status. Although the gender gap has closed up, it is still too big."
The annual SPVS Salaries Survey is free of charge to SPVS members and costs £150 for non-members. For more information, call 01926 410454 or visit www.spvs.org.uk.
Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Sporimune (ciclosporin), licensed for the treatment of chronic manifestations of atopic dermatitis in dogs.
Roger Brown, Senior Brand Manager at Dechra Veterinary Products, said: "Around 20% of all small animal consultations involve skin conditions and canine atopic dermatitis can be challenging to diagnose and manage effectively.
"Although incurable, atopic dermatitis can be managed using a multimodal approach which is likely to include treatments to decrease pruritus as well as allergen identification, avoidance where possible and improving skin and coat hygiene."
Sporimune is a 50 mg/ml oral solution administered by syringe, which is graduated to show both bodyweight and ml. Dechra says it is being introduced to veterinary professionals within the company's Partners in Practice programme which aims to support vets and vet nurses as they diagnose, control and maintain complex dermatological conditions.
Mr Brown added: "It is critical that owners are fully involved and educated about their pet's condition for dogs to be treated effectively. So we have also developed support materials around the use of Sporimune for practices, including client information leaflets and a video on how to use the dosing syringe."
Sporimune is now available from veterinary wholesalers. For further information visit www.dechra.co.uk/sporimune.
The RCVS and the BVA have announced the launch of Vet Futures, a jointly funded initiative designed to stimulate discussion about the future of the profession, and help its members prepare for and shape it.
The initiative will draw on the experience and insight of a wide range of individuals and organisations, including veterinary surgeons and nurses, veterinary bodies, farmers, pet owners and other key stakeholders.
The objective is to understand where the provision of veterinary services is currently heading, whether this is in the best interests of the profession, animal owners and the public at large, and what might be done to shape an optimal future for the veterinary team, keeping animal health and welfare at its heart.
In the project's first phase, independent researchers will gather evidence via focus groups, phone interviews and desk-based research, in addition to the gauging of opinion through events, the internet and social media.
This evidence gathering will be followed by an engagement phase, where the profession will be asked for their feedback on initial thoughts; a period of analysis, where a report will be written by the independent researchers; and, finally, there will be an action phase, where key strategic issues will be identified, together with a clear plan for action from the BVA and the RCVS, as well as other organisations and individuals.
Professor Stuart Reid, RCVS President. said: "The RCVS is implementing a programme of reform to make it a first-rate regulator, but how do we also make ours a first-rate profession, that is resilient and agile enough to meet future demands?
"The Vet Futures project will not just be about horizon-scanning, but getting a fix on those issues over the horizon that we may not yet have considered, such as the use of emerging technologies.
"It's an exciting challenge and I am looking forward to members of the veterinary team getting involved so that, together, we can develop an action plan that will deliver a sustainable future for the profession."
John Blackwell, BVA President, said: "It is no secret that the veterinary profession is changing rapidly and that is why the theme for my presidential year is 'driving change and shaping the future'. It is essential that we come together to map out where we want to be as a strong and trusted profession and identify how we can make that happen.
"On such cross-cutting issues it is appropriate that the two leading professional bodies come together to provide joint leadership for the profession, but we are keen to engage as many individuals and stakeholders as possible. It is designed to be a hugely collaborative project and we want to hear voices from across the whole profession and the whole veterinary team."
The project has a dedicated website www.vetfutures.org.uk where the latest events, reports and publications will be found. There will also be a 'topic of the month' for the duration of the project, with controversial opinion-pieces being posted to stimulate debate from within the profession and amongst animal owners and other stakeholders.
Royal Canin has announced that Jill Moody-Smith, a veterinary nurse and Pet Health Counsellor (PHC) from Eagle Vets in Birchington, Kent has been crowned the winner of its annual ‘Pet Health Counsellor of the Year’ Awards.
Jill was presented with her award, which included £1,500 worth of high-street vouchers, at a ceremony held at the Forest of Arden Marriot Hotel in Coventry last month.
The Pet Health Counsellor Awards were set up to celebrate veterinary professionals for promoting preventative health care and running pet health clinics in practice. Jill was chosen by renowned animal behaviour expert Sarah Heath for her work in a wide range of clinics - including the ‘Chunky Monkey Club’, an ‘Allergy Clinic’ and a ‘Joint to Joint Mobility Clinic’ - as well as her commitment to veterinary nursing, caring for wildlife and bereavement counselling.
Royal Canin’s Veterinary Marketing Executive, Sarah Collins RVN, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to present Jill with the award. She has demonstrated an outstanding contribution to her veterinary practice, by running a variety of specialist sessions for owners which have proven very popular and beneficial. The Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor scheme was set up to encourage Veterinary Nurses to advance their professional development, so it was great to see such a high level of entries this year.”
Jill added: “I’m delighted to be Royal Canin’s Pet Health Counsellor of the Year. Their scheme has given me the confidence and skills to develop specialist clinics at Eagle Vets, which have proved to be hugely beneficial in giving our clients the specific advice and training for their pets’ needs.”
Sophie Graham from Rowe Vets in Bristol won the Silver Award and £1,000 of high street vouchers and the Bronze Award was claimed by Katie Field of Vets4Pets in Stafford, who also walked away with £500 in vouchers. All 30 finalists were treated to a three course meal, disco and overnight accommodation as part of the annual award ceremony. Since the ceremony, Sophie has now moved to Vale Vets in Dursley.
The RCVS has published Fitness to Practise - A Guide for UK Veterinary Schools and Veterinary Students, and is now working to produce an equivalent for veterinary nurse students.
The guide is designed to introduce students to the concept of fitness to practise and help prepare them for professional life.
Fitness to Practise - A Guide for UK Veterinary Schools and Veterinary Students was developed by an RCVS working party in conjunction with the UK's seven veterinary schools that currently offer an RCVS-approved veterinary degree.
The guide is split into two parts: the first part provides guidance for veterinary schools on how to recognise and address fitness to practise concerns; the second part sets out the broad principles of fitness to practise that students should follow and which veterinary schools should uphold.
Laura McClintock, an Advisory Solicitor from the RCVS Professional Conduct Department, said: "While we don't regulate veterinary students themselves, we hope that this guidance will prepare future vets for the requirements and standards that we expect from members of a regulated profession and for adhering to our Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance.
"The guide also recognises that each university will have its own specific disciplinary guidelines and procedures, but we hope that this will help promote consistency in their fitness to practise regimes.
"Although we expect any adverse findings made in university fitness to practise proceedings to be declared to us upon application to register, we would take into account the fact that a student is not a fully-fledged professional and would therefore make some allowance for any mistakes and poor judgement when considering whether or not they should join the Register."
The guide can be downloaded for free from www.rcvs.org.uk/studentguide
The day also has a stream for veterinary surgeons, and another for the whole practice team.
The nursing stream programme is as follows:
https://www.langfordvets.co.uk/feline-celebration-day
Ceva has announced the launch of Zodon®, a flavoured clindamycin for dogs and cats.
Zodon is the only veterinary licensed flavoured clindamycin available in the UK.
Zodon is indicated for the treatment of infected wounds and abscesses in cats and dogs and oral cavity/dental infections caused by or associated with clindamycin-sensitive species of Staphylococcus spp, Streptococcus spp in dogs.
Rob Mclintock, Business unit manager for Ceva said: "Zodon is an exciting new product for Ceva, it is the first clindamycin on the market to offer flavoured presentations designed to help deal with compliance issues and help improve treatment success."
In a palatability study 98.3% of dogs took Zodon chicken flavoured tablets spontaneously. Ceva says the oral solution for cats and small dogs also offers easier administration with grilled meat flavouring and a graduated syringe.
Adelaide Ellerington, product manager for Ceva Animal Health said: "Zodon complements our existing antibiotic range perfectly. The whole range is designed specifically for veterinary use allowing veterinary surgeons to dose more accurately and improve patient compliance by offering flavoured tablets and solutions."
You can preorder Zodon now from Ceva - telephone 01494 781510 or email: cevauk@ceva.com - alternatively Zodon will be available from wholesalers at the start of next week.
Forum Animal Health, makers of Apometic, an emetic for dogs, has launched a campaign to raise awareness among vets about the dangers of human foods to dogs, particularly over the festive period.
According to the PDSA, almost half a million dog owners are still giving them chocolate treats intended for human consumption1 despite the fact that 85%2 of consumers know chocolate is poisonous to dogs,.
Chocolate is, of course, not the only human food that is dangerous to dogs. Other treats such as mince pies and Christmas cake (containing raisins or sultanas), as well as food containing onions and leeks, plus sweeteners and human medication, are all potentially lethal if not treated as soon as possible.
The company is also stressing the importance of dog owners presenting their pets at the vets as soon as possible after eating something potentially harmful. Tim Gooders, UK Companion Animal Product Manager at Forum Animal Health said: “During the festive season clients often don’t recognise what is poisonous and don’t know what to do if there is a problem. Their instinctive response is to wait and see, however, animals need to be treated quickly before they have metabolised what they have eaten.” He added that Apometic is most effective if the animal is presented early, pre poisoning.
In order to help raise awareness and alert owners about the importance of acting promptly, the company has created a range of posters which can also be downloaded and printed out from its website.
References
Forum Animal Health data on file
PDSA PAW report 2013 press release April 2014
The Walpole Bay Tidal Pool is the biggest in the UK, covering four acres.
Everyone taking part is being challenged to raise at least £100 for Vetlife, to go towards its helpline, health support and financial support for the veterinary community.
Sea temperature at this time of year is a decidedly brisk 10 degrees Celsius, but Vetlife says the dress code is reasonably relaxed: anything from a swimming costume to a full diving dry suit!
https://events.more-human.co.uk/event/1713190086537x259173669533122560
Merial Animal Health has launched Veloxa, a palatable broad spectrum dewormer for dogs, effective against roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm.
Merial says Veloxa uses a proprietary technology which coats the bitter active ingredients in the beef-flavoured chewable tablets. In the company's palatability tests it achieved 97% acceptance.
Veloxa tablets are scored for accurate dosing and come in two sizes:
Christine Male, Product Manager of Veloxa said: "Merial has a strong heritage in anti-parasitics and understands how difficult it can be for pet owners to administer worming tablets, so we are extremely pleased to be able to offer Veloxa as part of the Merial anti-parasitics range."