Elanco Companion Animal Health has launched Recuvyra 50mg/ml transdermal solution for dogs, the first transdermal fentanyl solution to be licensed for the control of postoperative pain associated with major orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery.

Recuvyra is a schedule two controlled drug which contains fentanyl, a pure μ-agonist synthetic opioid with a potency 100 times that of morphine¹. Applied to the area between the shoulder blades by a needleless two-pronged adapter two to four hours prior to surgery, Elanco says Recuvyra provides at least four days of opioid analgesia, which is mainly due to the activation of the μ-opioid receptors inhibiting the perception of pain and the transmission of pain signals in the spinal cord and dorsal horn².

Elanco says Recuvyra's unique formulation provides long-lasting analgesia by establishing a depot of fentanyl within the stratum corneum. The fentanyl in this depot undergoes passive diffusion down a concentration gradient, and is steadily released into the general circulation over a number of days.

Ed Whittle MA VetMB MRCVS, technical consultant at Elanco said: "Fentanyl is widely used in human health and its powerful analgesic properties are well known amongst veterinary surgeons^{1, 3, 4}. Recuvyra is a ground-breaking veterinary product that will provide long-acting post-operative pain control in dogs while reducing the need for repeated, invasive administration of analgesics in the practice and improved client compliance and the potential for mutimodal analgesia once a dog returns home."

To ensure proper use of Recuvyra, Elanco has produced a mandatory online training programme for veterinary surgeons to complete before ordering the product. The brief online training module, which can be viewed at www.recuvyratraining.eu, features information on the presentation, correct preparation and administration of the product, and the safe handling of patients that have been treated with Recuvyra. Once veterinary surgeons are trained, it is their responsibility to train their staff on the in-practice use of Recuvyra and Elanco has produced a training presentation to help educate veterinary professionals about the product.

To support the launch of Recuvyra, Elanco has produced a dosing calculator, cage cards and client information sheet.  For further information on Recuvyra, please contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancocah.uk@elanco.com.

References

1. Kukanich B., Clark, T.P. The history and pharmacology of fentanyl: relevance to a novel, long-acting transdermal fentanyl solution newly approved for use in dogs. J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap.2012. 35 (Suppl. 2), 3-19
2. Lascelles BDX. Clinical pharmacology of analgesic agents. In Hellebrekers LJ ed. Animal Pain. The Netherlands: Van der Wees 2000:85-97
3. Pain Management in Dogs, Elanco Market Research. 2009. DmrKynetec
4. Lemke, Kip A., Creighton, Catherine M. Analgesia for Anesthetized Patients. Elsevier Topical review. Volume 25, Number 2, May 2010

New research published in Epidemiology and Infection (Cambridge University Press) reveals that direct contact between badgers and cattle is rare, suggesting that it may be rare for bovine tuberculosis (TB) to be passed on through the two species meeting each other on pasture.

For the research, which was conducted by the Royal Veterinary College and the Food and Environment Research Agency, researchers investigated direct and indirect interactions between badgers and cattle by fitting automated high-tech proximity loggers to animals and placing base stations at badger latrines located on pasture, in an area of south-west England with a high-density badger population, over a period of 12-months.

Direct interactions (within 1.4 metres) between badgers and cows at pasture were very rare, with only four out of over 500,000 animal-to-animal contacts recorded between the two species.

Indirect interactions (visits to badger latrines) were far more frequent than direct contacts, with 400 visits by badgers and 1700 visits by cattle recorded. This suggests that indirect contacts might be more important than direct in terms of disease transmission at pasture.

During the study half of the badgers tested positive for TB, however the infection status of individual badgers did not affect the frequency or duration of their visits to latrines located on pasture grazed by cattle.

Bovine tuberculosis  caused by infection with Mycobacterium bovis is endemic in cattle in parts of England and Wales and its control is hindered by the presence of infection in the European badger. While M. bovis is clearly transmitted between cattle and badgers, it is has not previously been known where, when or how often transmission occurs.

Dr Julian Drewe from the Royal Veterinary College who led the study, said: "Our findings reveal that direct contacts between badgers and cattle at pasture are surprisingly rare, despite ample opportunity for interactions to occur, suggesting that the two species may be ignoring or even actively avoiding one another. The study was conducted in an area with a high badger population, so it is likely that such direct contact will be even less frequent in areas of the country where there are fewer badgers.

"Indirect visits by both species to badger latrines were significantly more common than direct contacts between badgers and cattle, which suggests that these represent the more typical nature of interspecies contact. Future research aiming to quantify TB risk to cattle from badgers might be best to focus on indirect contacts occurring at latrines and on contacts occurring away from pasture, for example in farm buildings.

"This clearly has disease management implications, and more work is now needed in this area to look at how such contact can be limited, to reduce the number of cases of bovine TB in the future."

Vets Now reports that its 'Enhancing the Nurse Role' training programme has finished the pilot stage and over 200 veterinary nurses have signed up for the training.

The programme is designed to take advantage of the RCVS Under Care review changes, which mean that veterinary nurses can now start the patient's journey of care in certain cases, when before, vets were required to do a hands-on examination before delegating. 

Racheal Marshall, Vets Now’s Head of Clinical Nursing said: “So, for example, under the protocols a nurse may offer blood tests prior to vet consultation, and the vet can then continue the consultation with the owner with additional clinical information.” 

The 'Enhancing the Nurse Role' training programme is covers three main areas: front of house care, patient procedures and team dynamics. 

So far, Vets Now has held 11 training workshops using partial task simulators to provide a realistic experience and safe environment to learn new skills.

Emphasis is placed on hands-on practical skills that can be used back at clinics, including placement of central lines, urinary catheterisation of blocked cats, feeding tube placement, suturing and a two-day ultrasound training. 

The third phase of the Enhancing the Nurse role programme, which looks at team dynamics, has been overseen by Zara Kennedy, Head of Veterinary Standards at Vets Now. 

She said: “As a vet, the collaboration between the vets and the rest of the team, and maximising everyone’s skills is critical. 

“This third phase focuses on teamwork and communication, and we are utilising much of what has been learned in human medicine.

"A focus on these softer skills enhances the way the teams carry out patient care and ultimately result in better patient care.

Using the great skills of our nurses can help take the pressure off those bottlenecks where currently the patients are waiting for the vet.” 

Vets Now says the Vets Now programme is designed to make the company an appealing place for veterinary nurses to work.

Racheal said: "Using all their skills provides them with greater job satisfaction, and by mixing with other nurses at the training, as well as being a great opportunity to bring our nurses together, they get to share and learn from each other's experiences. 

“It will bring greater benefits for patients and clients and their experience in the clinic.” 

Petplan has announced the winners of its annual Veterinary Awards. 

The awards recognise and celebrate staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation's pets and their owners.   

Isabella von Mesterhazy, Petplan's Head of Marketing, said: "As the leader in the pet insurance market for over 35 years, we have a rich history of working with veterinary practices across the UK. The Veterinary Awards is a great way to celebrate the fantastic work that goes on helping keep pets healthy and their owners happy."

She added: "This year saw over 11,000 nominations which goes to show the appetite from both staff and clients for celebrating exceptional work. We had an outstanding selection of finalists and I'd like to congratulate all the winners who thoroughly deserve their awards."

The winners for each category are:

VET OF THE YEAR - Laura Pugh, Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital - Long Eaton, Nottingham
What really stood out was Laura's willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty. As well as Laura's stressful day job she is very involved with the local community. Laura writes an animal column in her local neighbourhood magazine, runs evening talks on a variety of subjects and visits local schools.

VET NURSE OF THE YEAR - Catherine Raw, Broadleys Veterinary Hospital - Stirling, Scotland
Catherine's passion for her role within the practice and her dedication to providing the best service for her clients put her above the other finalists.  Catherine is not only committed to her professional role of delivering the highest standard of clinical care for her patients and the best service for her clients, but she also devotes a lot of her own time to animal welfare. Catherine is a fantastic role model for her nurses.

VET SUPPORT STAFF OF THE YEAR - Vivienne Jeffs, Arvonia Animal Hospital - Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
Vivienne's reliability, empathy and selflessness really stood out for the judges. Whether it is knowing the name of a pet owner during telephone conversations, or entertaining toddlers in the waiting area, Vivienne is the type of receptionist vet surgeries dream of. The practice would not be the same without her according to those that nominated her.

VET PRACTICE OF THE YEAR - Bridge Veterinary Surgery - Highbridge, Somerset
The practice's hard work and dedication to their clients really impressed the judges. The practice is open 24 hours a day and the dedication the veterinary, with a small practice of only four staff members, it is a particularly well deserved award.

VET PRACTICE MANAGER OF THE YEAR - Cery Lawson-Tankred, Golden Valley Veterinary Hospital - Nailsea, Somerset
Cery has worked at Golden Valley for over five years, during which time the practice has seen a large degree of upgrade and reinvigoration. Investments made in new equipment and facilities have meant improved care for an expanding array of animals that come through the surgery doors. It was clear to the judges that Cery is the glue that holds the Golden Valley Veterinary Hospital together.

Pets at Home has announced the acquisition of the joint venture practice business, Vets4Pets, adding 93 stand-alone veterinary practices to the 116 in-store practices it already operates under the Companion Care brand.

Providing veterinary and grooming services to consumers is seen as the way for the retailer to overcome competition from the Internet.

Nick Wood, CEO of Pets at Home said: "The expansion of our veterinary business is a key element of our growth strategy for Pets at Home, providing additional services to our customers within our stores or close to our customers' homes. The acquisition of Vets4Pets is an important step in the delivery of this strategy. Vets4Pets is highly complementary to Companion Care, sharing fundamental beliefs and values, and is an excellent strategic fit for Pets at Home. I am delighted that Peter Watson has agreed to stay with the business. His knowledge and experience will be invaluable as we continue to build our veterinary business with both stand-alone and in-store practices. He will work closely with Jane Balmain, the Managing Director of our Companion Care business as we integrate the two businesses."

Peter Watson, Founder and CEO of Vets4Pets said: "Pets at Home holds a unique place in the retail landscape, built on a strong identity and a real passion for people and pets. It is clear to me that Nick and his team have a similar vision for their veterinary business. I'm delighted to be working with Nick to continue to expand the veterinary business by offering attractive joint venture opportunities for vets in stand alone locations to complement the offering in Pets at Home stores."

Companion Care MD, Jane Balmain added: "Companion Care and Vets4Pets each enjoy a strong reputation among both vets and customers. Both businesses have a common business model, offering joint venture partnerships with vets. I am looking forward to working alongside Peter as we bring the businesses together, continue to expand our joint venture partnerships and accelerate our growth."

Vets4Pets' UK operational centre will remain in the East Midlands, with its support functions being split between Companion Care's operation in Oxfordshire and Vets4Pets' Guernsey office.

The BSAVA reports the highest ever attendance at Congress this year: 6,178 veterinary surgeons, nurses, practice managers and students, 6% cent higher than in 2011 (the last time the BSAVA hosted its own Congress).

According to the association, a significant number of international delegates attended this year with almost 60 countries represented - notably Scandinavia (186 delegates), Germany (56), the Netherlands (40) and the USA (31).

Other highlights included:

• Vets and vet nurses jointly acquired more than 100,000 CPD hours in a scientific programme which included subjects such as orthopaedics, neurology, anaesthesia and analgesia, dermatology, oncology and pain management.
• Nearly 300 exhibitors filled the National Indoor Arena.
• The top five most popular titles at the BSAVA Publications stand were: Feline Practice, Neurology, the Pocketbook for Nurses, the Pocketbook for Vets, and Practice Management.
• According to the Birmingham Convention Bureau,  BSAVA Congress brings in an estimated £15m to the regional economy. This includes accommodation, meals, events, entertainment, and travel around the cosmopolitan destination.

Outgoing BSAVA president Mark Johnston said the event was the highlight of his presidential year: "Last year we showed the world how well the BSAVA can organise a major veterinary congress. But what is pleasing is that the momentum we gained from hosting the World and European meetings has continued into this year.

"We had more delegates in 2013 than in the last purely BSAVA Congress two years ago and to accomplish that in these difficult financial times is a remarkable achievement."

Newly inducted BSAVA president Michael Day (top right) said he was looking forward to extending the international aspect of BSAVA. The Australian-born Professor who has lived in the UK for well over two decades said: "BSAVA has made huge contributions to veterinary practice in the UK, and already has a global reputation for Congress and publications - I believe we have such a wealth of resources and so I am convinced we have so much more to offer the world".

The RCVS Disciplinary Committee has dismissed a case against a veterinary surgeon said to have been dishonest in claims made against insurance following a dog's veterinary treatment.

At the end of the four-day hearing, the Committee found Sheena Brimelow, formerly employed by Kinver Veterinary Practice in Kinver, Stourbridge, not guilty of charges relating to seven insurance claims submitted between 1 January 2008 and 1 October 2009. These related to her parent's dog, a Cairn terrier, which she had treated at her then employer's practice. Ms Brimelow admitted that she had submitted invoices with her claims showing the retail prices for several items, when she had paid the practice only the cost prices. She said that she had deleted records from the practice computer showing the retail prices so that the ingoings and outgoings in the practice finances were accurate.

The Committee considered whether Ms Brimelow had either behaved dishonestly or, in the alternative, ought to have known not to have included the sums she did in the insurance claims forms. The Committee found that Ms Brimelow was an honest and reliable witness. She had explained openly what she had done, entirely consistently, from the first time the allegations had been put to her by the practice owner. It noted that an insurance company representative also considered her actions to be "a genuine misunderstanding," although subsequently a complaint was made by the insurance company to the College about Ms Brimelow's actions. The Committee found there were no clear guidelines in the practice as to how staff insurance claims should be handled. It also felt that, as a result of the insurer's communications failures, it was not difficult to believe that Ms Brimelow was unaware of how claims concerning the insured pets of veterinary practice staff members were expected to be handled.

From the evidence presented in the hearing, the Committee calculated that Ms Brimelow had benefited by only £90.50. The Committee noted that she had offered to repay any monies to her employer or the insurer, and that the insurer's loss adjusters had thought this was a matter for Ms Brimelow and her employer. The College had also referred the matter to the police, who said it was not in the public interest to proceed with the matter, a decision they based on the low value of the loss and Ms Brimelow's offer to pay back the money.

Professor Peter Lees, chairing and speaking on behalf of the Committee said: "The Committee notes the reasons given by the police for undertaking no criminal investigation in this case, and agrees with that analysis. The Committee must apply the same standard of proof as would have been applied in a criminal case. In all the circumstances, the Committee is far short of being satisfied so that it is sure that Ms Brimelow acted dishonestly in this case."

"The Committee considers that [Ms Brimelow] was naïve and misguided in handling the insurance claims in the way that she did," he continued. "However, the Committee considers there was a lack of proper guidance within the practice as to how staff insurance claims should be handled. In these circumstances the Committee is not sure that the College has proved that the Respondent ought to have known that she should not have included sums on the claims form, which did not represent the costs that she had incurred."

Both elements of the charge were accordingly dismissed.

Novartis Animal Health has announced that it has assumed marketing responsibilities for the joint health supplement Cosequin in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Cosequin, which contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, is available in a range of presentations for dogs, cats, and horses.

The product, which was previously marketed by MSD, is the leading joint health supplement among veterinary surgeons in the US and Europe.

Novartis says Cosequin is an important addition to its Orthopaedic Health Category, which in 2009 introduced Onsior (robenacoxib), the first tissue-selective pain relief for cats and dogs.

Gaynor Hillier, General Manager UK & Ireland Novartis Animal Health said: "Our strategic intent is to expand our presence in orthopaedic health to address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment in a more comprehensive manner. Cosequin represents an important step toward achieving this objective".

Cosequin is available from Novartis Animal Health in the United Kingdom and Ireland, from licensed veterinary wholesalers. For more information on Cosequin, contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager.

Virbac has announced the launch of My Virbac, a new website offering a range of business, marketing and technical services for veterinary professionals.

The main elements of My Virbac are:

• Business support tools to help enhance business processes and overall productivity and profitability. This section includes access to a mystery shopping service and staff training, as well as business auditing service. In its entry-level form, this is provided as an online audit. It can be upgraded to involve a bespoke report from a business consultant on request
• Marketing support including Virbac's 'Comms Manager' which guides practices aiming to build their profile through PR and social media. The marketing support section also offers tools to enable practices to print promotional materials
• Client-facing tools to help vets build stronger, long-term relationships. This section includes a 'Total Compliance' toolkit and online client satisfaction training
• Resource Library containing webinars, technical and business related articles and a stock of educational articles for websites and client newsletters

Virbac Product Manager, Ms Victoria Hudson said: "Virbac was one of the pioneers of the concept of practice support and the services we already offer are highly valued by our customers. In developing My Virbac, we're taking things to a new level. We've worked with business and veterinary experts to develop a practical and helpful range of services which will make a real difference to practices that use them. We plan to add additional services and tools on a regular basis.

"As the veterinary sector becomes increasingly competitive, providing an outstanding clinical service is no longer enough. Practices must also be well-run businesses, with a strong focus on marketing and client retention. Taking advantage of the services and tools available on My Virbac will help practices to ensure they are well placed to succeed even in difficult times."

To access Virbac's services platform, practices and individuals can register at www.my-virbac.co.uk.

The WSAVA is calling on veterinary surgeons and nurses to volunteer to help with outreach projects in Africa in September 2014.

The projects are part of a new initiative from WSAVA called the 'WSAVA Global Outreach', which is designed to help share the knowledge and experience of its members more widely around the world.

The first two projects will take place as an extension of the WSAVA World Congress in Cape Town, from 16th-19th September:

• The WSAVA - Animal Wellness and Welfare Committee (AWWC) Programme
  The WSAVA's AWWC is offering the opportunity for up to ten veterinary surgeons registered to attend World Congress to volunteer for Community Led Animal Welfare (CLAW), a respected animal welfare organization whose work is supported by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).  Volunteers will provide their services during a six day placement from 8-13 September 2014, assisting CLAW personnel in running mobile veterinary clinics which provide basic health care and education for the animals of impoverished communities and their owners. 

• The WSAVA-SAVA Community Veterinary Clinics Programme
  The WSAVA is also offering the opportunity for ten veterinary surgeons registered to attend World Congress to volunteer for a five day placement working with the South African Veterinary Association's Community Veterinary Clinic (SAVA-CVC). They will assist with a range of activities including running mobile veterinary clinics and providing basic care such as vaccination and parasite treatments.  Volunteers will also have the opportunity to carry out basic diagnostics and treatment including neutering.

WSAVA President Colin Burrows said: "WSAVA Global Outreach is a vehicle to enable us to create a lasting legacy in every region which hosts World Congress because, if we all work together, we can help to build a better future everyone in the profession."

Further details on how to apply for both volunteer programmes can be found at www.wsava.org.

Virbac has launched Pyoderm, an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal dermatological shampoo for dogs and cats.

Containing 3% m/v Chlorhexidine, Pyoderm is designed to support the natural microbial balance of the skin whilst delivering gentle yet effective cleansing.

Along with the rest of Virbac's range of dermatological and everyday care shampoos, Pyoderm is presented in 250ml eco-friendly bottles which are made from 100% recycled plastic and recyclable packaging.

The shampoos themselves are also biodegradable. 

https://uk.virbac.com/

Eli Lilly and Company, which owns Elanco Animal Health, has announced an agreement to acquire Novartis Animal Health for approximately $5.4 billion in cash.

Lilly says that on completion of the deal, Elanco will be the second-largest animal health company in terms of global revenue. It will also solidify its number two ranking in the U.S., and improve its position in Europe and the rest of the world.

As part of the agreement, Lilly will acquire Novartis Animal Health's nine manufacturing sites, six dedicated research and development facilities, a global commercial infrastructure with a portfolio of approximately 600 products, a pipeline with more than 40 projects in development, and an experienced team of more than 3,000 employees.

The transaction is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2015, subject to clearance under the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, similar requirements outside the U.S., and other customary closing conditions.

John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., Lilly's chairman, president and chief executive officer said: "Animal health continues to represent an attractive growth opportunity for Lilly. We intend to keep Elanco and to take advantage of the substantial synergies between our animal health and human health businesses.

"Significant investments in our animal health business in recent years have enabled Elanco to double its revenue since 2008, leading the industry in growth. Global trends suggest continued sustained demand for animal health products in the years ahead. Through this acquisition, which moves Elanco to top-tier in the industry, we intend to create value for our shareholders by adding to our promising pipeline of innovative animal health assets, increasing sales through a larger commercial footprint, and improving efficiencies and lowering costs."

Bayer Animal Health has launched a new marketing campaign for Drontal that celebrates the special roles pets play in people's lives.

As part of the campaign, the company has carried out research amongst 2,000 cat and dog owners to discover how owning a pet changes behaviour and positively impacts their daily routine.

The survey found that 76% of dog owners say their four-legged friend is like a personal trainer that motivates them to take exercise, with one in four saying they've lost weight since getting their pet. Of these, one in ten say they've lost half a stone or more.

As part of the Special Roles campaign, Bayer has launched a competition to find the nation's most interesting pets. People can upload their favourite pet photo and explain what it is that makes their animal so important to them. The winner of the Special Roles competition will be chosen on the 31^st July by a judging panel which includes the editors of Your Cat and Your Dog magazines.

The winner will receive £500 as well as the chance to appear in a Drontal advertorial. The two runners-up will be decided by public vote and will receive £250 worth of vouchers to spend in Pets at Home. Entries to the competition can be  submitted here: http://woobox.com/uahgp5

The Special Roles theme is being supported by a new TV and print advertising campaign that celebrates the role our pets play in our lives. The ad communicates the importance of regular worming with Drontal, with the tagline: "It's their job to be special, it's our job to keep them that way". The print and TV campaign will run for 2 weeks, from 14th April.

Kathrin Tetzner from Bayer said: "The Special Roles campaign for Drontal celebrates the joy, love and humour pets bring to our lives, while reminding owners that it is their responsibility to keep them happy and healthy in whatever role they play. The Special Roles competition will give pet owners nationwide the chance to show off their pet's special role and help us celebrate a nation of happy and healthy pets."