Avonvale’s nurse dental champions are RVNs who have a special interest in dentistry. They receive additional career development and training, both in-house and via webinars. They also attend practical workshops.
They also get training and support materials from specialists at Eastcott Referrals, in Swindon.
They're then tasked with educating colleagues and clients about dental care and disease prevention.
Nurse dental champion, Jasmin Legge (picture right), said: "We increase owners' knowledge of what dental treatments can be performed at Avonvale and highlight the welfare benefits of dentistry to them.
"We give our patients a free consultation and take a look to see if they have any dental issues.
"If we believe they do, they will be referred to a vet for this to be confirmed and for them to assess what work is needed.
"We are also able to carry out scale and polishes on animals and we follow this up with educational post-dental checks, giving advice to owners on how to maintain good dental hygiene.
"Dental disease is a common problem and can cause misery for a lot of pets, which is why we want to do all we can to help alleviate the problem and to educate owners on how they can play their part.
"Here at Avonvale, when you have a particular area of interest, you are given amazing opportunities to help develop it. Nurse dental champions are a prime example of this."
The clinic will offer referrals in orthopaedics, internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, neurology and advanced imaging from a team which includes Rory Bell, an RCVS and European Recognised Specialist in Internal Medicine, and Jonathan Bell, an EBVS and RCVS Specialist in Small Animal Surgery.
The practice says it has some of the most advanced equipment in Europe, including a Siemens 128 slice CT scanner and a Siemens 1.5T Aera MRI scanner. The clinic also has three environmentally-controlled theatres, with CT and MRI scanning capabilities.
Dr Stuart Cooke BVetMed CertSAS MRCVS, one of Swift Referrals founders said: “We’re delighted to launch Swift Referrals, and would like to thank everyone who helped us get here. We are proud to be able to say that we house some of the most advanced equipment in the continent, from the very best advanced imaging machines, to specialist treatment and aftercare rooms. We also have some of the most skilled veterinary experts operating in them, day in and day out. Our clinicians are leaders in their field of expertise, with years of experience and very advanced training."
For more information: www.swiftreferrals.co.uk/.
Under Schedule 3, vets can delegate medical treatment and minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) to registered veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses under certain circumstances.
However, following an RCVS survey of the profession to gauge how well both vets and vet nurses understood the provisions of Schedule 3, the College says it was clear that both groups, but especially vets, could benefit from additional guidance and greater clarity.
Following the publication of the survey report, the RCVS Veterinary Nursing Schedule 3 Working Party made a number of recommendations, including the production of a number of case studies (available via www.rcvs.org.uk/schedule3) and a reference poster to help veterinary surgeons in making decisions on delegation in practice.
An A3/A4 poster setting out the principles of delegation has now been prepared and will be printed and posted to all UK veterinary practice premises this autumn.
Ian Holloway, RCVS Director of Communications, who helped develop the poster with the RCVS Standards Committee and the College’s Standards & Advice Team, said: "It was clear from the survey results that we could do more to help vets and vet nurses understand and remember the principles of delegation under Schedule 3, so hopefully our six-point checklist, using the memorable mnemonic 'SUPERB', will do just that.
"If the poster can be placed in a prominent position in the practice setting, we hope it will become a handy, everyday reference tool for all veterinary professionals, and help vets remember the six questions they need to consider before delegating work to their VN colleagues.
SUPERB stands for:
Specific procedure – is the procedure medical treatment or minor surgery not involving entry into a body cavity?
Under care – is the animal under your care?
Person – can you delegate to this person?
Experience – does the RVN/SVN feel capable, and have sufficient competence and expertise?
Risks – have you considered the risks specific to this case?
Be there – are you available to direct or supervise as necessary?
Only if you, as a vet, can answer 'yes' to all six questions, can you delegate the job to an RVN or SVN.
The poster will also available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/schedule3 where further resources about delegation are available, including links to the relevant chapter of the supporting guidance to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and the Schedule 3 case studies.
I think anything which gives veterinary surgeons confidence to delegate more to veterinary nurses is to be warmly welcomed. But what do you think? Do you think this poster would encourage your vets to delegate more, less, or the same? Discuss here.
Zoetis says the new vaccine, which is also the first in Europe to be administered orally, offers increased comfort for dogs, and a smooth consultation room experience for both dog owners and veterinarians. It has a 12-month duration of immunity.
Dr. Eileen Ball, Global Veterinary Medical Lead for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases for Zoetis, said: "Versican Plus Bb Oral provides robust protection along with an innovative and smooth means of administration. The new oral delivery brings a more positive experience for dogs, owners and vets. We expect this new option for vaccination will lead to an increase in recommendations for Bordetella prevention, better vaccination compliance, and ultimately a healthier dog population.
"Nearly all dogs are at risk of CIRDC, and Bordetella is a common, but preventable pathogen. Adding Versican Plus Bb Oral to vaccination protocols offers CIRDC protection for dogs. Vets can propose this new vaccination to pet owners at an annual wellness visit in the knowledge that they will be creating a less stressful experience for the pet and owner."
Zoetis has set up The European Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Advisory Board – made up of veterinary specialists from across Europe – to provide guidance and advice on the product’s launch.
Board member, Professor Emeritus Michael J. Day, University of Bristol, a consultant to Zoetis, said: "The CIRDC has a multifactorial pathogenesis, involving environmental and lifestyle factors and numerous potentially causative organisms. CIRDC is not just a cough picked up in kennels. It can be spread in any space occupied by multiple dogs, including grooming parlours, dog day care establishments or dog parks. The pathogens have not disappeared over time and CIRDC is prevalent throughout Europe, with Bordetella bronchiseptica remaining a commonly identified agent in infected dogs.
"I think it is exciting for European veterinarians now to have another option in the way they deliver non-core Bordetella protection. There will be different situations depending on circumstances in which either an oral, intranasal, or injectable route of administration will be most appropriate."
Zoetis says Versican Plus Bb Oral will rolled out across Europe from November 2019 to October 2020.
The company is making the claim based on a £20,000 study it conducted with three dermatology specialists from three different clinics, in different parts of the country.
Trevor Hardcastle, Vet-AI’s chief data scientist said: "We have undertaken a small-scale trial of remote diagnosis of dermatology conditions by veterinary dermatology specialists in canine patients, which has resulted in almost perfect agreement. No significant evidence was found that veterinary dermatology specialists are measurably compromised in their ability to accurately diagnose common dermatology conditions by being remote from the patient."
Strangely, given the strength of the claim, its importance and Vet AI's obvious vested interest in the result, there was no other information contained within the company's press release. No mention of who the specialists were, nothing about the study design, and nothing about the basis on which the claim is made.
However, presuming the company meant Specialists not specialists, it would be very unusual if they had agreed for an announcement of this importance to be made without the evidence being reasonably robust. So it's probably worth suspending judgement until the study is published in full.
Meantime, the company also says its own research into online diagnosis amongst pet owners has shown that more than 50% of people have avoided taking their pets to the vet for cost reasons, yet more than 65% have tried online self-diagnosis. Again, Vet AI doesn't reveal how many pet owners were asked, or how they were sampled.
Vet-AI co-founder Sarah Warren said: "Things like dermatological issues are beautifully aligned to remote consultation because they’re visual so we can gain a wealth of information from images and distribution maps and easily recommend treatments.
"This needs to happen in a regulated, ethical and correct way with a view to improving animal welfare.
"The RCVS has a chance to ensure that people have access to quality vet help online in an effective way. They can do this, or they can allow them to continue accessing poor-quality advice. As a profession, it’s vital we respond to the needs of pet owners."
The survey, which received over 1300 responses, found that the problem is more noticeable amongst locum vets (69% have worked when they’ve not felt well enough) and employees (64%) but is also an issue amongst partners and the self-employed (57%). It’s more common for vets in clinical practice (65%) than in non-clinical roles (51%). In all of these sectors over half of vets reported working when they were unwell.
18% of the vets surveyed said they do not take sick leave because they feel uncomfortable doing so. This is more common amongst younger vets (25% of under 35s compared to 19% of 35-54-year olds, and 8% of over 55s) and female vets (21% compared to 11% of male vets).
The main reasons given for not taking time off when sick are concerns about the impact on colleagues and worries about "letting the team down". One respondent said: "Because I would leave the practice understaffed and the remaining vets would have to work a lot harder and longer as a result." Another said: "Being ill is not an option. The practice is short staffed."
Members also reported a perceived culture of working through sickness. One said: "The veterinary industry on the whole has a 'phone in dead' policy ie don't call in sick!" and another said: "[I] feel that I am judged for taking time off, even when I lost my voice and was unable to consult."
A small number of responses (36 of the 450 vets who commented) mentioned that they did not receive sick pay or only received limited sick pay, so they avoided taking sick leave for financial reasons.
The BVA is reminding all vets that they have a legal right not to attend work when they aren’t well enough do so and that any concerns should be discussed with managers. The free BVA legal helpline is available to members to provide further guidance on taking sick leave.
BVA President Daniella Dos Santos said: "We know that veterinary workplaces are under enormous pressure from staff shortages, and none of us wants to feel like we are letting our colleagues down, but presenteeism only stores up more problems for the future.
"Working when you are ill puts your own health and wellbeing at risk longer term and can also put your colleagues, clients and patients under your care at risk.
"It’s particularly worrying that some of our colleagues feel pressure to work when they feel unwell, especially younger members. As a profession we have made huge steps forward in recognising the issues around mental health and supporting one another and being physically unwell should be the same.
“Anyone who is concerned should speak to their manager and remember that BVA members can always get free advice and support via the BVA legal helpline. Ultimately, it’s important to create a workplace culture that supports the entire veterinary team to prioritise their own physical and mental health."
Photo: Javier Brosch / Shutterstock
The company says that the packs have been redesigned to make it easier for pet owners to identify the variety of products available.
The new packaging has stronger imagery, simplified and larger product names to improve readability, and kibble shapes displayed actual size to reassure owners of smaller breeds that it will be suitable for their pet. Flavour profiles and breed sizes are displayed on all packs.
Hill's says the new range is also presented in optimised bag sizes for more convenient feeding. Small and Miniature and Mini dog foods have been combined into a new Small & Mini product, designed to cover the needs of all small dogs under 10kg.
For more information, visit: https://www.hillspet.co.uk/science-plan/new-look.
The website has been redesigned to help pet owners improve their understanding of the disease and support their commitment to treating their pet, thus improving the survival rates of diabetic pets.
The site includes videos which show how to give insulin injections to dogs and cats. There are also links to the Pet Diabetes Tracker App, which helps owners of diabetic pets monitor and record their pets’ progress. There are also tools to help pet owners build glucose curves they can share with their veterinary practice, and FAQs that will answer their main concerns.
The company is also offering additional support to help veterinary practices raise awareness of pet diabetes in the form of staff training and a Pet Diabetes Month Resource Pack.
Caroline Darouj, Senior Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Pet diabetes continues to rise in the UK1,2 due to the growing prevalance of obesity in our pets. Research has shown that up to 20% of diabetic pets die, or are euthanised, within a year of diagnosis3. Many of these early deaths however, are avoidable and effective management can result in good outcomes in most pets. A diabetes diagnosis should not be a life sentence for our pets.
"This campaign and new website will make a big difference, giving practices the tools to engage pet owners, provide treatments plans and explain effective disease management. Diabetes is a disease with many elements that can feel overwhelming for pet owners so it’s vital that all veterinary practice team members have the right resources to be able to advise and support them so their pets can lead long and happy lives."
To sign up for a pack practices should go to www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/PDM
References
The CVPM is the industry-recognised professional examination for veterinary managers. Covering six main areas – strategy, finance, marketing, personnel, communications and general management - it is available to VMG members who want to consolidate their knowledge and experience with a recognised qualification. Candidates must be employed in the veterinary sector in a management role.
The regional workshops are free to attend but registration in advance is required.
Saturday 7 March 2020, 10.30 am – 1.00 pmWorkshop 1: Coverdale House, Aviator Court, York YO30 4GZ. Workshop 2: Clue House, Petherton Road, Bristol, BS14 9BZ.
Saturday 21 March Workshop 2020Workshop 1: Goddard Veterinary Group Wanstead Veterinary Hospital, 84 New Wanstead, Wanstead, London E11 2SY.Workshop 2, Manchester: This workshop takes place at the Vets Now Hospital, 98 Bury Old Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6TQ.
Those attending VMG-SPVS Congress 2020 at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, are also strongly advised to attend the Management Mastery Stream, on Friday 24 January 2020.
VMG Director Ms Georgina Hills (pictured right) said: "Those involved in practice management require expertise in all the key aspects of running a successful business, as well as a deep understanding of the veterinary sector. The CVPM is a testing qualification and is increasingly recognised as a benchmark for excellence. Our regional workshops are ideal preparation for those preparing to submit their applications in August and to undertake the examination in November 2020 so we look forward to meeting potential candidates around the country during 2020."
Miss Emma Hollingworth from the Park Vet Group in Cardiff, who achieved the qualification in 2018, said: "Coming from a nursing background where much of my knowledge was gained through experience, the CVPM required me to research and develop skills which are not taught to all veterinary nurses and I feel it has given me a strong platform from which to develop my career. The VMG provides excellent preparation days and I highly recommend attending one to those sitting the exam."
The CVPM examination consists of a written 3,000-word report and the examination itself which consists of a ten-minute presentation on a subject supplied by the examining board; a 15-minute discussion of the submitted report and two further 30-minute oral exams on related topics.
Further information is available at https://vetmg.com/cvpm-vpac/
In the survey of 354 owners, 65% thought their cats get on well with each other. However, 60% reported signs of disharmony, including: chasing (65%), swiping paws (53%), hissing (48%), keeping a distance from one another (31%), fighting and acting aggressively (27%), staring (30%) and sitting in front of resources to block access (25%).
In addition, some of the cats were so stressed that they would often scratch furniture or household items (46%), hide from their housemates (26%), meow excessively (20%) or spray (17%).
Claire Russell, Feliway brand manager at Ceva Animal Health, said: "There is the common misconception that cats need other feline companions, however they are naturally solitary survivors who are more than happy in their own company. Simple environmental changes and using Feliway Friends can help restore harmony between household cats who are displaying signs of multi-cat tension."
Reference
You can complete the PDSA Animal Wellbeing (PAW) survey at: yougov.com/pdsa.
Rebecca Ashman, PDSA Policy and Campaigns Manager, said: "Since 2011, our PAW Report has provided valuable insight into pet health and wellbeing across the UK.
"It delivers a vital evidence base for education programmes, campaigns and collaborative work in the veterinary and welfare sectors. It also enables us to monitor the impact of welfare initiatives on pet wellbeing issues which are of most concern to the veterinary profession.
"The survey only takes 15 minutes to complete, and by taking part, you’ll be helping us to capture an accurate picture of the welfare issues that are of the biggest concern for the veterinary profession. You can also be entered into a prize draw to win a GoPro HERO5 Session Action Camera."
For more information and to download the 2017 PAW Report, visit pdsa.org.uk/pawreport.
He takes over the role from Huw Griffiths at the end of BEVA Congress 7th -10th September 2022. Roger Smith becomes President Elect.
Following graduation from The University of Bristol in 2001, David worked in farm animal and equine practice in Somerset before completing an internship at Liphook Equine Hospital.
A three-year Horserace Betting Levy Board residency at The University of Glasgow and Liphook Equine Hospital enabled him to train as a specialist in equine internal medicine and to gain a masters by research into equine asthma and an RCVS certificate in equine medicine.
David spent several years at Liphook Equine Hospital in Hampshire and had spells at The Royal Veterinary College, London and Charles Sturt University in Australia before moving to Rainbow Equine Hospital in Yorkshire where he led the internal medicine and laboratory services as a director and subsequently a clinical director following the hospital’s acquisition by the VetPartners group.
David returned to his Westcountry roots in 2020 and now combines work as an independent equine medicine and therapeutics consultant with running the family farm on the edge of Exmoor.
He is chair of BEVA’s health and medicines committee.
During his presidential year David is keen to continue build on his recent work around antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance as well as expanding BEVA’s global outreach to support more equine vets and have a greater impact on equine welfare.
He said: “I’ve had a great time being part of the profession for the past 20 years and I am now in a position to give something back.
“Huw has driven much activity in the past year around recruitment and retention and I hope to be able to build on this and action results from the recent survey, under Huw’s continued supervision. I am also determined to maintain momentum around BEVA’s antimicrobial and anthelmintic resistance work as well as step up collaboration internationally on these and other projects to extend BEVA’s global outreach.
“Around 99% of the world’s horses are cared for by around 1% of the world’s vets so we are not going to change things overnight; however, BEVA has so much to offer and we should use our resources to support equine welfare, irrespective of where equine vets and their patients live and work.”
Suprelorin 4.7mg is a sustained release implant containing deslorelin (a GnRH super agonist) which has been EMA and VMD approved for use in male cats from 3 months of age.
The implant provides temporary infertility and suppression of urine odour and of sexual behaviours such as libido, vocalisation, urine marking, and aggressiveness in intact male cats.
The implant typically lasts for at least 12 months1.
Virbac says that in most cats, testosterone levels drop within 2 weeks after implantation, followed by reduced testicular volume and reduced size of penile spines from weeks 4-8 after implantation.
Sexual behaviours begin to decrease within a week after treatment, starting with reduced vocalisation, followed by reduction in libido, urine odour, urine marking, and aggressiveness from 4 weeks after implantation.
Induction of infertility is achieved from approximately 6 weeks.
Dr Neil Mottram MRCVS, Technical Product Manager at Virbac said: "The ability to use Suprelorin in male cats provides an opportunity for practices to offer a choice when it comes to neutering, and to tailor their recommendations to meet the individual needs of both the cat and the client.
"Suprelorin provides an ideal solution for cats where the client wants the benefit of surgery without the permanent loss of fertility, where there is an anaesthetic risk in high value kittens or where there is benefit to allow enough time between neutering, vaccination and homing to minimise stress".
The implant is inserted subcutaneously, under the loose skin on the back between the lower neck and the lumbar area.
Virbac says implantation is a quick procedure and does not require anaesthesia or hospitalisation, which can be of particular benefit in practices facing pressures on surgical waiting lists.
Suprelorin 4.7mg has also received a licensed claim in pre-pubertal female dogs for the induction of temporary infertility to delay the first oestrus and heat signs, and to prevent pregnancy at a young age in intact and healthy sexually immature female dogs.
The implant should be administered between 12 and 16 weeks of age.
For more information, talk to your Virbac Territory Manager or the Virbac Technical Team on 01359 243243.
Laura Hughes, Veterinary Nurse Development Manager for Purina UK and Ireland (pictured right) said: “All of our CPD talks on the stand are certificated and each 20-minute session builds to produce a comprehensive suite of content on making nutritional recommendations.
"It’s the ideal complementary top up to all the wonderful CPD available at congress.”
“Sometimes nutritional conversations can be difficult, especially around weight management, but behavioural science has given us so many new ways in which to approach those to bring the pet owner on board in a positive way so they can be part of the solution.
"We’ll be sharing more about those evidence-based approaches.
"To support nurse clinics further, we’ll be demonstrating our tool kits in the area of gastrointestinal care and weight management, so nurses can see what is available to them.”
There will also be cupcakes and refreshments at the stand, as well as a competition where every day one veterinary nurse can win a spa day for two.
Speakers include Prof. Jo Dukes McEwan, Head of Service, Professor in Small Animal Cardiology (University of Liverpool), Doctor Jennifer Schissler, Veterinary Dermatologist, Best Friends Animal Hospital & Urgent Care Unit (US), and Doctor Pascal Prélaud, Dermatologist, CEO ADVETIA Vet Hospital Center (France).
Participants will also be able to access to an immersive experience, the Vet Symposium Village, which includes the Live Stage, Vet Lab, Clinic Lounge, and Innovation Hub, all offering exclusive videos and lectures.
The event will be translated into Chinese, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, and German, and a replay of the event will be available until the end of the year.
Dr. Jennifer Welser, Chief Medical Officer, Mars Veterinary Health, said: “It’s more critical than ever for pet professionals from various countries, fields, and perspectives to meet and share their knowledge.
"I look forward to participating in the Vet Symposium and speaking with my peers on topics ranging from mental health to advancements in quality medical care and retaining veterinary talent.”
https://digital-vetsymposium2022.com/
Frontline wormer for cats contains praziquantel and pyrantel embonate, and for dogs it also contains febantel.
According to the company, Frontline Wormer is effective agains all types of intestinal worms found in the UK: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms.
It is presented as a palatable tablet which can be given as a treat without food, or mixed with food.
The press release from the company says the new product "gives pet parents an easy way to worm their cats and dogs".
"Pet parents?"
Someone please pass me the sick bag.
If I get one more press release describing cat or dog owners as 'pet parents", so help me god I will turn up at the press office and chain myself - naked - to the photocopying machine in protest.
It's a ghastly, patronising, cloying way to refer to people who own an animal, besides which, if I really was the parent of a pet, I would expect to be serving time at His Majesty's pleasure.
Frontline Wormer is available in packs of two tablets for 3 pet sizes.
As an AVM-GSL-licensed product, it can be sold off the shelf.
Common ‘Pet Dangers’ include:
The poster also reinforces the importance of S.P.E.E.D when dealing with poisoned pets:
To get your free poster, visit https://www.tvm-uk.com/pet-dangers-order-free-display-materials-for-your-practice/ or email help@tvm-uk.com.
A paper introduced by the RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson looked at the possibility of the RCVS prosecuting, for example, unqualified individuals undertaking veterinary work and courses falsely purporting to lead to a registerable qualification.
The paper also explored other options, including better educating animal owners about veterinary services and assisting people with concerns about the breaches of the VSA to raise them with the authorities.
Council heard that over the past year, the RCVS had assisted other agencies on investigations of suspected VSA breaches on a number of occasions.
It was considered that the RCVS could consider undertaking its own private investigations and criminal prosecutions when statutory prosecuting authorities did not have the resources to pursue these cases.
However, the RCVS has no statutory powers of investigation, so if it did pursue a private prosecution, it would have no powers to carry out a criminal investigation or compel evidence.
Council members voted for a further paper setting out a draft policy on private prosecutions, as well as what general information regarding breaches of the Veterinary Surgeons Act could be provided to members of the public and the professions.
The book includes interviews with researchers and thought leaders, including Professor Jeff French, Hugues Ruault du Plessis and Professor Thomas Webb.
There's a chapter on ways to influence owner behaviour, an explanation of the ways in which we make decisions and a description of the COM-B model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour), which Professor Webb argues can be applied to help manage pet obesity, the advantage being that it: “….recognises the importance of motivation, but suggests that people also need to be and feel capable of taking action and have the opportunity to do so.”
Also included are clinical research summaries and practical tips to help communication around these issues in practice.
Purina’s Scientific Affairs Manager for the UK and Ireland, Libby Sheridan, said: “Pet obesity is a challenge that veterinary teams face every day, with six in ten dogs and cats overweight or obese, making obesity one of the most common medical conditions in pets worldwide.1,2
"This e-book delivers a thought-provoking new take on pet obesity which I hope will inspire teams in veterinary practices to adopt innovative approaches to support their clients and achieve positive outcomes for their patients.”
The e-book is suitable for all members of the veterinary team who are involved in weight management clinics or have an interest in developing new strategies to better communicate with and support pet owners.
Download book here.
The Horse Trust provides a range of services to support working horses, while Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to alert their owners to cancers and other medical conditions, providing pre-emptive non-invasive warning.
Stephen said: "These two charities' work in strengthening and supporting the human-animal bond is truly remarkable. Though The Horse Trust was originally founded in 1886 as a retirement home for working horses, and this remains a core focus of theirs to this day, it has now evolved to provide a whole range of services, from education to research to rescuing neglected equids.
"Medical Detection Dogs, though founded much more recently in 2008, has already done an incredible amount in its short history - 76 of its dogs are now partnered with people with critical medical conditions, ensuring essential emotional as well as medical support."
Jeanette Allen, CEO of The Horse Trust, said: "The Horse Trust is extremely grateful to the RCVS for this enormously generous donation. We care for 130 horses, ponies and donkeys that have either retired from public service or been rescued from appalling conditions. We also provide dedicated training programmes for first responders who have to deal with horses in crisis situations, as well as being the second largest funder of equine specific veterinary research in the UK. We survive as a charity on donations, and this one is most welcome and greatly appreciated."
Claire Guest, co-founder and chief executive of Medical Detection Dogs, said: "We are so grateful to the RCVS for their very generous donation. We receive no government funding for our work, so we rely entirely on the generosity of organisations like the RCVS. Thanks to this donation, we can continue our pioneering research into the detection of human disease using the extraordinary smelling power of dogs."
The President’s Christmas Box donation is made every year in lieu of sending out RCVS Christmas cards. Previous recipients have included Worldwide Veterinary Service, Mind, Riding for the Disabled Association, Canine Partners, Hounds for Heroes, and Vetlife.
Dechra Brand Manager Craig Sankey said: "It can be a very worrying time for owners if their pet is being investigated for, or diagnosed with, hypothyroidism and the new website aims to help them understand more about the condition, how it manifests itself and what they can expect on the management journey.
"Effective management of the condition can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life and prevents the development of other, potentially life-threatening conditions, for which treatment can be intensive and costly."
The website also has a Frequently Asked Questions section and an interactive log book for owners to fill in which can also be emailed to their veterinary surgeon to assist in tracking the dogs’ progress and ensure that treatment is at its optimal level.
For more information, visit www.hypothyroiddog.com
Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, the Practice Marketing Award is free to enter, and open only to veterinary practices.
Entries need to demonstrate initiative and/or innovation in the marketing of the practice's services and/or products to clients or the general public during 2017. Eligible entries for the award can include: display advertising, direct mail or electronic media, such as email or websites.
VMA Awards Chair Claire Edmunds said: "Practices have often done a much better job of marketing than they think! And even if they don’t win, entering is great experience and the awards event provides an opportunity to network in the profession. As marketing is becoming an ever more important component in practice success, we would like to encourage as many practices as possible to enter the award."
Last year’s winner Vicky Scutt, joint owner and senior vet at Whitstable Bay Veterinary Centre, said: "Winning the Practice Marketing Award is a real highlight of my career so far! Receiving such a prestigious national award for our practice marketing proves the importance of staying true to your beliefs in business. It gave us the confidence to keep to the same message - because it's clearly working!"
The deadline for submissions is of 2nd February 2018, and the awards are presented on 16th March 2018 in the newly refurbished 5-star Royal Lancaster London hotel.
To enter the Practice Marketing Award, visit: https://www.vma.org.uk/vma-award-categories/practice-marketing-award-entry/
To book event tickets, visit: http://www.vma.org.uk/events/vma-annual-advertising-awards/
For any other information, visit: www.vma.org.uk, email: secretary@vma.org.uk or telephone 0330 223 2259.
IMV says it has acquired BCF to widen its offering in the reproduction management sector, particularly in imaging. As part of this strategy the company acquired ECM, a French veterinary ultrasound manufacturer, last June, and has launched AlphaVision, a video-assisted bovine insemination system.
Alan Picken, Managing Director of BCF, will lead the imaging division of IMV Technologies and become a member of the Management Board of the Group.
Philippe Gravier, Chief Executive Officer of IMV Technologies, said: "For over 50 years, IMV has been at the forefront of innovations in animal artificial insemination and embryo transfer. Following the acquisition of ECM earlier this year, the integration of BCF supports our vision to supply health status and reproduction-readiness tools to veterinarians, breeding technicians and livestock owners.
"I am very excited that BCF is joining the IMV Technologies Group. Our 100 employees have worked hard to build this company to where it is now. There is no doubt that IMV’s strong brand, customer loyalty and extensive distribution network will help to expand further our imaging activities. Like IMV, I share the vision that market differentiation is in supporting customers to improve animal care, achieved through constant innovation and marketing leading products and services."
Proposals being considered include insisting that dog breeders only sell puppies they have bred themselves and demanding that puppies are shown alongside their mother before sale.
Another proposal is to make it illegal to complete the sale of a puppy unless the new owner is present, thereby preventing online sales.
In addition, the government plans to regulate the advertising of all pets, making it a requirement for licensed sellers to display their licence number, the country of origin and the country of residence of any pet advertised for sale.
Measures to tackle puppy smuggling across borders will also be explored, alongside measures to address the breeding of dogs with harmful genetic disorders.
The Government says legislation introducing these proposals could be brought forward early in the New Year.
Prime Minister Theresa May said: "Any unscrupulous mistreatment of animals is disturbing – so in our drive to achieve the highest animal welfare standards in the world, we continually look at what more can be done. The arrival of a happy, healthy puppy, as I know myself, is a memorable time for a family – but it’s absolutely right we do everything we can to eradicate animal cruelty from our society. The proposals my government is developing will be an important step forward."
Environment Secretary Michael Gove said: "At this time of year it is all too easy to be moved by images online or adverts in the local press advertising new born puppies looking for a home for Christmas. But what we don’t see is all too often a sad history of mistreatment and malpractice. That is why we are looking at how we can go further to crack down on unscrupulous breeders so pet owners will have no doubt their new dogs have had the right start in life.
"This is one part of our efforts to ensure we have the highest animal welfare standards in the world. We have also ensured CCTV cameras will be mandatory in all slaughterhouses and will increase prison sentences from six months to five years for animal abusers."
In addition, the Government has confirmed that it will be taking forward proposals already put out for consultation earlier this year. They include a ban on the sale of puppies and kittens under the age of eight weeks, which will now extend to include rabbits, as well as compulsory licensing for anyone in the business of breeding and selling dogs.
Photo: Litter of Terrier Mix Puppies Playing in Dog Bed Outside on Wooden Deck, Shutterstock/Anna Hoychuk
David, who is Head of Clinical Intelligence at Vets Now, came in eighth place with 1,756 votes in this year’s RCVS Council elections.
The place was originally offered to Dr Tom Witte, who came in seventh place. However, due to a change in personal circumstances, he decided not to accept.
Professor Stephen May, RCVS President, said: "The loss of such a young, talented and respected Council member as Sarah has been difficult to come to terms with and she is greatly missed by her fellow Council members and others amongst the profession.
"It is also important to recognise that the New Year will bring us fresh challenges and opportunities and we will face them best with a full complement of Council members. Therefore, I am delighted that David will be joining Council from January and is able to attend his first Council meeting, which will be held in committee, with us on Thursday 18 January.
"The circumstances under which David will be joining us have been extremely sad, but I am sure he will be an excellent addition to our team and I look forward to working with him."
More information about David Leicester, including his candidate biography and manifesto, can be found in the Council election booklet sent out earlier this year and available to download from www.rcvs.org.uk/publications. A video of David talking about what he would bring to RCVS Council can also be found on the College’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/rcvsvideos