Novartis Animal Health is launching a new range of practice support materials to help raise owner awareness about skin conditions like atopic dermatitis.

"It's vitally important, in the diagnosis and treatment of atopic dermatitis, to make clients aware that not all pruritus is caused by fleas," said Agnes Delauche, Senior Brand Manager at Novartis.

"Our new range of literature will help front of house staff to educate owners and engage them more readily in this healthcare topic, particularly when handing over repeat prescriptions for flea treatments. The waiting room displays may also prompt owners to recognise itchiness in their pet, associate it with the signs and then ask the vet for advice."

When a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis has been made, practices need to act swiftly and outline a treatment plan with owners. Research carried out by Novartis found that 86 per cent of owners whose dogs were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis were frustrated with the condition. In addition, 44 per cent of owners left their original veterinary surgeon in search of a solution for their dog's atopy. "It can be a long and exasperating problem for both the dog and the owner, therefore, it's critical that vets provide a timely diagnosis and effective treatment regime," concludes Dr Delauche. "Hopefully, our new literature will provide practices with the necessary support materials for owners. It provides treatment timescales and reiterates that atopic dermatitis cannot be controlled overnight."

Alongside the waiting room poster and owner leaflets, the company has also developed an informative website for owners http://www.itchfree.co.uk/.

For copies of the new materials, contact your local Novartis Territory Manager or ring 01276 694402.

Kruuse has launched the "ByoFresh" range of canine deodorising and disinfecting products. Winner of Pets at Home's "Best New Product of the Year 2007" and Highly Commended at Glee Pet Index 2007, Kruuse says this is a range of products that will help with the age old problem of "smelly dogs".

All of the products contain Byotrol, a patented new anti-microbial ingredient that provides broad-spectrum protection against most common micro-organisms and has already been successfully used in the human health sector.

Byotrol is the first veterinary anti-bacterial and anti-fungicidal agent, tested to British Standards EN 1676 and 1677, to be used in canine deodorising products. These tests are supported by veterinary supervised trials on over 100 dogs at nine independent practices.

"We see tremendous potential for the ByoFresh range in veterinary practice for veterinary surgeons, nurses and clients alike", commented Andrew Groom, Country Manager of Kruuse UK." Not only do these products help resolve a real problem, they're competitively priced to support all customers' requirements.

Hill's Pet Nutrition has launched a new website - www.hillsweightloss.co.uk - featuring the company's weight management programme to help address the UK's spiralling pet obesity epidemic.

Nearly 50 per cent of pets are obese or overweight and the company hopes that the site will act as a valuable support tool for vets, providing clients with an interactive, tailored weight loss and exercise programme to follow with their cat or dog.

The website also includes a series of animated illustrations and videos to demonstrate how to check a pet's Body Condition Score (BCS) by feeling its ribs along with feeding and exercise hints and tips.

To help keep pet owners motivated, the site features a weekly weight loss programme email newsletter consisting of additional support, handy tips and helpful reminders.

Libby Sheridan, veterinary affairs manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition, comments: "Obesity in animals is soaring and the new website is a useful and effective support tool which advises on both diet and exercise regimes and helps keep owners and their pets on track to reach their target weight."

Hill's Pet Nutrition's pet foods to aid and maintain weight loss include Hill's Prescription Diet w/d, m/d and r/d, which has recently been reformulated. In a recent trial, dogs fed Prescription Diet r/d lost 22 per cent of their body fat in eight weeks. Hill's Science Plan Light can also help pets prone to weight gain. Science Plan NeuteredCat is formulated to meet the needs of cats that have been neutered as they are significantly different in their energy needs.

The Blue Cross is offering a lifeline to even more needy pets across the UK following an extension to its successful veterinary grant scheme.

Relaunched as "The Blue Cross Veterinary Care Fund", the charity has increased available funding and doubled the maximum grant it will pay towards veterinary costs of a particular treatment, operation or neutering procedure if the owner can't afford it.

The initiative was first launched in 2005 to help pet owners on low incomes who do not live near Blue Cross hospitals or clinics. So far the charity has awarded thousands of grants through 1,100 veterinary practices, 28% of all private vets in the UK. The demand from needy pets around the country prompted The Blue Cross to increase the maximum grant to £200 towards the veterinary treatment costs.

Pet owners must be on a means tested benefit or state pension with no other income to be eligible for support through the Veterinary Care Fund. Those on a very low income may also be eligible for the grant and should contact The Blue Cross for further advice.

The charity is also opening a new veterinary welfare clinic on 3 June 2008. The clinic, based at the animal adoption centre in Tiverton, will carry out basic procedures such as microchipping and vaccinations, and treat minor ailments. More serious or complicated cases will be referred to a local veterinary practice where treatment will be subsidised by The Blue Cross.

For more information about the Veterinary Care Fund or how clients can apply please contact The Blue Cross customer care team on 01993 825593 or email info@bluecross.org.uk

New research released by National Pet Month (5th April -5th May) has found that the UK's most popular dog breed is the Labrador. There are 209 recognised dog breeds in the UK; 7.3 million dogs in total in the UK, one in ten of which is a Labrador.

The Pet Population study was conducted by leading industry body, the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association (PFMA) for National Pet Month and reflects past research by BBC Magazines which revealed that the Andrex puppy is the nation's favourite TV animal.

The annual Pet Population report shows that over since 2003, the Labrador population has increased by 28%.

National Pet Month culminates in Wet Nose Day on 23rd April to tie in with St George's Day, this national event will celebrate animals great and small, and also see the launch of a photographic exhibition at Selfridges London in their pet department. The ‘Hall of Fame' photography exhibition is part of a National Pet Month competition which ran in Your Cat and Your Dog magazines during March.

Visit http://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/ for more information.

The RCVS Officers will be heading to Somerset, home ground of President Bob Moore, on Thursday 22 May for RCVS Question Time.

The Shrubbery Hotel in Ilminster is the venue for the final Regional Question Time of Bob Moore's Presidential year, where he looks forward to seeing lots of familiar faces for a lively debate.

Veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and others involved in the profession are all welcome to attend the meeting, which kicks off at 6:30pm with a relaxing drink, a bite to eat and a chance to catch up with colleagues, followed by Question Time at 7:15pm. The meeting will finish at approximately 10:00pm.

Bob Moore will be chairing the meeting and the panel will be made up of the Officer team and Veterinary Nurses Council Chairman Andrea Jeffery, who will be answering your questions and concerns regarding the veterinary profession.

Hot topics expected to be raised on the night include the RCVS Practice Standards Scheme, a new Veterinary Surgeons Act, RCVS modular certificate, 24-hour cover, the Professional Development Phase and the non-statutory Register for veterinary nurses.

To book your place contact Fiona Clark at the RCVS on 020 7202 0773 or f.clark@rcvs.org.uk before 9 May 2008, or download an invitation at http://www.rcvs.org.uk/ and post it to the address supplied. All veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses living within reasonable travelling distance of the meeting venue will be sent a personal invitation.

If you are unable to attend the meeting, but have a question you would like to raise, please do write in.

The BVA Animal Welfare Foundation (BVA AWF) in conjunction with the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) has announced the launch of an update of its popular Pets and Poisons - Keeping Your Animals Safe leaflet, first produced in 2004.

Based on information compiled by the VPIS, the leaflet provides a valuable and easy reference guide for owners on preventing poisoning in the home, in the garden or in open spaces along with advice on what to do if you think your animal has been poisoned.

Veterinary practices can obtain batches of 50 leaflets for the waiting room, free of charge (although a donation to AWF is encouraged) directly from the BVA agents Ten Alps on 020 7878 2307 or Louise.walpole@tenalpspublishing.com

Following a nationwide search to find the UK's top veterinary professionals for 2008 and judged by an independent panel of experts, Petplan has announced the winners of the prestigious Petplan Veterinary Awards, which were presented at a black-tie gala dinner on 3rd April in Birmingham.

The winners of the awards, which acknowledge achievement in the veterinary world, are:

VET OF THE YEAR 
Brian Faulkner of the Melton Veterinary Surgery, Woodbridge
Brian's understanding and compassion for his clients' pets impressed judges. He receives literally hundreds of cards and letters expressing appreciation for his efforts, care and dedication and can deliver devastating news with the gentlest touch. Brian, often known as ‘Uncle Brian' by his clients, continuously goes over and above the call of duty and fully deserves the title ‘Vet of the Year 2008'.

VET NURSE OF THE YEAR
Louisa Baker of the Priors Leaze Veterinary Centre, Chichester
The judges believe that Louisa is an excellent role model for those interested in veterinary nursing. She spends quality time supporting and training those around her and has the unusual ability to win people over instantaneously with her kind and gentle manner. Louisa shows a deep-rooted compassion for owners and their animals and truly deserves the title of ‘Veterinary Nurse of the Year'. According to her clients, friends and colleagues she is "one in a million".

VET RECEPTIONIST OF THE YEAR
Margaret Gait of Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates, Lydd
Margaret has worked at Cinque Ports Veterinary Associates for 15 years, and is now a popular, much loved member of the local community. She is a hard working, conscientious team player, who isn't afraid to get her hands dirty - and often stays late to help with emergencies or to clean up after surgery. She constantly goes the extra mile and Petplan is delighted to name her ‘Vet Receptionist of the Year'.


VET PRACTICE OF THE YEAR 
Orwell Veterinary Group, Ipswich
Orwell Veterinary Group was described as having a number of ‘remarkable' qualities by the panel of judges. The high level of customer care, staff's dedication to continued professional development and the emphasis on developing strong client relationships were all described as exceptional. Charles Bagnall, the practice owner and practicing vet, explains: "I am very proud of what my brother, I and our dedicated team have achieved over the past 14 years - we have built a well recognised and respected multi-centred practice and accredited veterinary hospital, while still providing friendly, professional and personal care."

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
In addition to these awards, a Special Recognition Award, voted for by the general public, was also presented to Matt Brash who has become a popular TV vet. More recently, Matt's ITV series, ‘Zoo Vet' and ‘Zoo Vet at Large' have received widespread appeal the world over.

Matt explains: "I am absolutely delighted to have received this award for my work in the media promoting the health and welfare of the UK's animals. It is such a privilege to be a practising vet who is also able to reach so many people through TV and radio to raise awareness of the importance of responsible pet care and welfare. There are a number of exceptional vets, veterinary nurses, receptionists and practices throughout the country. This year's nominees all deserve to be applauded for the huge contribution they make to the happiness and wellbeing of our nation's pets."

Protexin has launched what is billed as the first therapeutic veterinary GI diet to contain an added probiotic: Pro-Balance, with Enterococcus faecium.

According to the company, dogs presenting the common clinical signs of upset, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lack of appetite and weight loss are one of the most common reasons for a dog to be brought to the vets. The beneficial effect of probiotics on GI disorders by providing an influx of beneficial bacteria to the unbalanced gut has been extensively documented. As has the fact that, in acute cases, dogs respond well to dietary management following a short period of ‘gut rest', as an essential aid to a recovery programme recommended by the vet.

For more information, see: http://www.protexin.com/

RIP Fleas, the environmental flea treatment from Genitrix, has been given a new formulation to ensure it acts more quickly in the killing of adult fleas and that it continues to kill fleas as they emerge from pupae for up to 12 months.

Now known as RIP Fleas Extra, the product is also licensed for the control of house dust mites in the environment for up to 12 months.

According to Genitrix, the reformulation makes RIP Fleas Extra the only environmental flea treatment to contain three active ingredients while complying fully with new EU Biocides regulations. It is the only such treatment to be fragranced and is also the only product to be presented in a volume which will cover 120 square metres - ie the size of an average house.

RIP Fleas Extra contains:

• Tetramethrin - a second generation synthetic pythrethroid and a contact insecticide with a rapid knockdown action of insect pests
• Permethrin - a potent insecticide with a powerful contact action on insects but with a low toxicity to most mammals
• Methoprene - a compound that mimics the insect juvenile hormone and arrests development of fleas and house dust mites in the environment.

When used synergistically, Tetramethrin and Permethrin provide a rapid knockdown and kill of fleas as they hatch from pupae. Studies have shown that this combination works four times more quickly than Permethrin alone.

Genitrix has launched Dentagen, billed as the UK's first dental plaque protection system for dogs and cats.

The active principle in Dentagen is a plant extract called RF2 and the product operates as an ‘anti-biofilm' treatment by modifying the membrane of oral bacteria to prevent them from producing plaque even at low concentrations.

Dentagen wax is presented for practice use in a syringe for easy application to the gingival layer and the buccal area of teeth. The initial protective coating of wax is applied to dogs or cats at end of dental procedures in practice and while the animal is still sedated. The coating lasts for two to three days. Dog owners can then maintain the protective coating by giving their pet Dentagen plaque prevention chews every other day.

The chews, impregnated with RF2 and of a specially designed shape and consistency, are supplied in two sizes with the larger size designed for dogs over 8 kg and a smaller size for dogs less than 8 kg.

Vet Katy Horton of White Hart Lane Vets, who has trialled the product, commented: "The Dentagen wax was certainly very easy to apply and, from the small sample of dogs we've so far tried it on, the palatability of the chews was good. While tooth-brushing remains the gold standard for dental care, we recognise that it can be difficult for owners and believe that this new approach could be a valuable alternative."

Five syringes of Dentagen for application in practice cost £12.50. Packs of nine small chews cost £5.10 while a pack of the larger chews costs £6.50.

Here's a gadget I'd love to get my hands on: the Zoombak advanced GPS pet locator, launched in the UK today.

The locator attaches to any dog collar, or indeed your car, husband, wife or teenager, and allows you to get a real time fix of their location by telephone, or on your computer. It costs £99.99 from pet retailers, with an additional £9.99 per month service subscription (£99.99 if paid annually upfront), which allows for an unlimited number of ‘locates'.

Hot on its heels comes the Pawtrack, which will also cost £99.99 with a similar monthly subscription which allows for 1200 locates per month. Pawtrack is being aimed at both cats and dogs, and whilst it is marginally smaller and lighter than the Zoombak, there isn't a lot in it. Both are still probably too cumbersome for a cat, which is why Zoombak more pragmatically recommends its product for dogs over 7 kg.

Doubtless it won't be long before they miniaturise the technology so that it'll be the width of a nostril hair, thereby solving the problem of pet theft and loss completely. Meantime, these look like a practical and fun gadget for the owners of larger breeds that regularly go AWOL.

For more information on stocking Zoombak please contact Zoombak on 08708 033095.

Over half way through Intervet's National Vaccination Month, and according to the company, an impressive 2100 practices are taking part.

Various statistics the company has released, which you might find interesting:

• Nearly two thirds of all vet practices have seen parvovirus, in the past year, while 43% have seen leptospirosis, which is spread by rats.
• 62% of pet owners consider their animal to be an extremely important member of the family with over half (58%) buying them Christmas presents and over one in four (27%) taking time off work for their pet.
• However, only 56% of these pets were vaccinated and around more than quarter (28%) of owners were unaware of any disease risk.
• Currently, 3 million dogs, 6 million cats and 1.8 million rabbits are unvaccinated, leaving them at risk of a range of fatal diseases, many of which are untreatable.

Intervet has put together an impressive range of support materials for National Vaccination Month, including a pet-owner website: http://www.vaccinationmonth.co.uk/, a discount voucher scheme (on the website) for use in participating practices, TV advertising and a Vaccination Month Podcast primarily aimed at owners.