MDC has announced it will launch Smart Oxygen, a system it describes as a simple, instant and economical way to deliver oxygen or nebulising therapy to cats and other small animals, at the London Vet Show (20th/21st November London Olympia).
The system is connected directly to a transparent 3mm PVC Smart Oxygen canopy placed within one of MDC's cat baskets. The clear plastic means the patient remains in full view, allowing you to observe respiratory patterns during treatment. Venting access enables the release of excess oxygen and can be varied according to the patients' condition and oxygen percentage requirements.
MDC says Smart Oxygen is ideal for emergency situations because it requires no assembly and allows vet professionals to provide oxygen or nebulisation therapy single-handed. It also minimises stress as respiratory patients respond better without restraint - known to exacerbate symptoms. With Smart Oxygen an animal can be monitored without the anxiety associated with a nasal cannula or masking.
For more information, visit: www.mdcexports.co.uk
A survey carried out by Cats Protection has found that around a quarter of Britain's cats (23%) are being fed treats despite the fact that their owners consider them overweight already.
The survey of 1,120 cat owners revealed that 70% of cats described as 'slightly' or 'very overweight' are given a special food treat at least once a week by their owners. 28% of them are being given a special treat at least once a day.
The survey also found that all cats - irrespective of their weight - are fed special treats over Christmas that are not suitable for their health. Nearly 8% feed their cats a special Christmas dinner consisting of human food, whilst some cats are given chocolate (2%) stuffing (2%), and Christmas pudding (1%).
Maggie Roberts, Cats Protection's Director of Veterinary Services, said: "The survey showed that Britain's overweight cats continue to be fed too many treats, which owners principally did out of love, habit or a desire to make their cat feel like a member of the family. However, overweight cats are at significant risk of diabetes and arthritis so there is the danger that owners are making a bad situation even worse.
"The survey also shows that it wasn't uncommon for cats to be given treats such as milk, chocolate or cheese. All of these could make cats quite ill."
Claire Fraser, RVN, MBVNA, took over as President of the British Veterinary Nursing Association for the coming year at the BVNA AGM held on 21 October 2007 at the Annual BVNA Congress. Claire qualified as a VN in 1990 and worked in general veterinary practice for six years, when she took up the position of Lecturer and Course Tutor at the Berkshire College of Agriculture, where she gained D32/33 units and the FAETC. She then moved in 2000 to Guernsey where she worked as a practice tutor and set up and ran the PreVN (now ANA)/SVN training side. During this time, Claire became BVNA Regional Co-ordinator (RCO) for the Channel Islands, until 2003, when she was elected onto the BVNA Council. Claire moved back to the UK in 2004 and now works as an Internal Verifier for MYF Training in Aldershot. "I am extremely lucky to have a job I enjoy and an employer that allows me to be flexible, so I can fit in my new role as BVNA President," said Claire. "I have also achieved the V1 award, which has kept me up-to0-date with the quality assurance process and ensures that I continue to provide my assessors and students with the right support and guidance." The out-going President, Julia Gordon, who held this post for the past two years, moves to the advisory role of Senior Vice President.
Medivet has announced the appointment of John Bower MBE BVSc MRCVS to its Panel of Enquiry set up following coverage of the company on Panorama.
Mr Bower has been President of the British Veterinary Association, the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, and the Veterinary Practice Management Association.
Mr Bower said: "Medivet is a large partnership with numerous branches and I am looking forward to helping the partners assess and review the management of their practice to eliminate the sort of incidents and situations that were alleged in the Panorama programme. This panel will look deeply into the management and I have been convinced by the partners that they are determined to take appropriate measures where necessary."
Adi Nell, Medivet central partner and fellow member of the panel said: "We are delighted that John Bower is to be a part of our panel. John is not only an eminent vet of unquestionable ethical standing, but he set up and ran a medium-sized veterinary partnership for 38 years. His expertise will be crucial to Medivet, as the panel carries out its investigations and makes its recommendations over the next few months."
Mr Bower, who retired from general practice in 2007, is currently Veterinary Advisor to Petplan Insurance Company and a trustee of two national charities - Hearing Dogs for Deaf People and The Petplan Charitable Trust. Mr Bower was awarded the BSAVA Melton Award for meritorious contributions to Small Animal Practice in 1991, the MBE in 2010 for services to the BVA:AWF, and has authored or co-authored a number of books including Veterinary Practice Management, The Dog Owner's Veterinary Handbook and The Cat Owner's Veterinary Handbook.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has launched the Accredited Internet Retailer Scheme, through which veterinary medicines retailers can now be accredited by the regulator.
The scheme, which is voluntary, involves an application process and site inspection to check ongoing compliance with the Veterinary Medicines Regulations.
The British Veterinary Association has supported the move, but called for the scheme to become compulsory. The BVA says it is also calling for more robust measures to stop prescription fraud and is in discussions with the VMD.
Harvey Locke, Past President of the BVA, said: "Our biggest concern with online medicines retailers has been that animal owners didn't know whether they were buying genuine, safe medicines that comply with UK regulations.
"This simple scheme launched by the VMD will allow customers to know within seconds whether the company they are using complies with the high standards set by UK legislation and the regulator.
"The scheme is a very welcome positive step in protecting the public from illegal sites, but in future we would like to see it becoming compulsory so that everyone can be confident that they are buying products that are safe for their animals and themselves."
Mr Cortes had pleaded guilty to the offences in January 2017 at Cardiff Crown Court. In February 2017, he was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for two years with a requirement to complete unpaid work and rehabilitation activity and a victim surcharge. Following Mr Cortes’ conviction the matters were referred to the RCVS and Mr Cortes was subsequently referred to the Disciplinary Committee.
Mr Cortes did not attend at the Disciplinary Committee hearing and was not represented. The Disciplinary Committee, being satisfied that Mr Cortes had been served with the Notice of Inquiry and having considered and taken into account a number of separate factors, decided that it would be in the interests of justice to proceed with the hearing in his absence.
The Committee considered whether Mr Cortes’ convictions rendered him unfit to practise as a veterinary surgeon. Chitra Karve, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The Committee has reached the conclusion that the respondent’s possession of this material which has led to his convictions was so reprehensible as to merit the description disgraceful. It considers that by possessing this material, the respondent has brought disgrace on the profession and will have undermined confidence in it. It therefore finds that the convictions have rendered the respondent unfit to practise veterinary surgery."
In considering the sanction the Committee decided that removing Mr Cortes from the Register of Veterinary Surgeons was the only available option. Ms Karve added: "The Committee has determined that the respondent’s behaviour is fundamentally incompatible with being a member of the veterinary profession. It therefore directs the Registrar to remove the respondent’s name… from the Register of Veterinary Surgeons."
A new education provider has launched in Australia, offering online training for veterinary nurses in the UK.
Veteducation.com.au offers 4-6 week short courses for veterinary nurses who have completed their basic nursing qualification - but don't want to stop learning.
The company says that the response to its 2 pilot courses has been outstanding, with more than 70% of our students already enrolling in another course.
The courses: "Emergency Medicine for Veterinary Nurses" and "Critical Care for Veterinary Nurses" combined carefully prepared notes, 24-hour access to additional resources, message boards, and veterinary tutor assistance, plus the bonus of weekly live interactive tutorials, to help students through their course material.
All courses are completed from the comfort of your own home - no travel expenses, no need for locums, and no additional costs.
Veteducation.com.au has over 12 courses coming up over the next 2-3 years, beginning with "Anaesthesia for Veterinary Nurses" in February 2008.
You can join a mailing list at www.veteducation.com.au to keep updated on course dates.
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."
Ceva Animal Health has launched Adaptil Stress Relief Now, a non-pheromone tablet to help dogs cope with predictable but unavoidable short-term stressful situations such as vet visits and car journeys.
The new product contains GABA, which, according to Ceva, plays a central role in relaxation by limiting the nerve cell activity in the areas of the brain associated with anxiety.1 It also contains L-tryptophan to increase serotonin synthesis1 and reduce stress-related behaviours in dogs.2 It also contains T-theanine, which Ceva says increases the release of GABA and inhibits the binding of the excitatory neurotransmitter L-glutamic acid to its receptors,1,3 with the effect of reducing anxiety and improving learning abilities.4 Finally, the product also contains B Vitamins (B1,B3, B6, B8 and B12), which the company says helps the body cope with the effects of stress.5
Ceva says that by administering the tablets to dogs two hours before any predictable stressful event and boosting levels of these naturally occurring substances, Adaptil Stress Relief Now tablets have been shown to help 80% of dogs remain relaxed in stressful situations, with the effect lasting up to four hours after administration.6
Sarah Endersby, Senior Veterinary Advisor at Ceva said: "Pet owners often want advice from their vets to help their dog's cope with a potentially stressful event that is approaching. Many want a reliable and quick-acting solution, especially if the event is infrequent or of a short duration. An oral anxiolytic can be really useful in this situation, and can be used alongside targeted behavioural training to help the dog cope."
According to the company, study trials have proven a high safety margin, with no recognised side effects and no impact on clinical parameters.6 In palatability trials, 90% of dogs chose to eat them with no prompting.6
Ceva recommends the new product is used alone or in combination with other products in the existing Adaptil range for common stressful situations for dogs, including: house parties / visitors, fireworks, thunderstorms, noise phobias, travel, veterinary visits and visits to groomers.
For more information about Adaptil Stress Relief Now tablets, including client literature, please speak to your local Ceva representative.
References
The Animal Health Trust has announced a research project which aims to improve the way dogs are treated for cancer. As part of the project, the charity is appealing to veterinary practices to send samples taken from dogs diagnosed with cancer.
Using the samples, the AHT's Oncology Research Group aims to develop prognostic tests for a number of canine cancers. These tests will assist veterinary professionals in predicting how individual tumours will behave and respond to treatment. It means that each dog will be offered the best treatment for its individual case, ensuring that dogs which do not require aggressive therapy are spared the rigours and possible side effects associated with such a treatment.
The samples required are surplus small pieces of the biopsies of suspected tumours, collected for diagnostic histopathology. Cheek swabs, or blood samples that are surplus to those that are often collected for standard clinical investigations are also required. Samples will be submitted for research only with the written consent of each dog owner.
Mike Starkey, from the AHT's Oncology Research Group, said: "To make progress we need to collect many samples of many different tumours. We simply need vets to send us freshly frozen (not fixed in formalin) biopsies of suspected tumours."
Samples of the following tumour types are needed from the following breeds:
Sue Murphy, the AHT's Head of Oncology, said: "We know cancer is a major cause of death in dogs. The research we are doing here will arm us all with the ability to make better informed decisions about the right course of treatment for each patient."
The samples will also aid with the AHT's research into inherited genetic defects. Researchers are investigating to find out why certain pedigree dogs have an increased risk of developing a specific cancer. The AHT is part of a European research group working on the 'LUPA project' which aims to develop DNA tests to identify dogs which carry the mutations. This should enable breeders to alter their breeding strategies to reduce the incidence of dogs affected by those cancers. It will also allow vets to carefully monitor dogs who have an increased risk of developing cancer.
Mike Starkey added: "The help from veterinary practices and dog owners is invaluable in this research. Without the samples we're unable to progress our work."
If you would like further information about the project, please contact Mike Starkey on 01638 555603 or email mike.starkey@aht.org.uk
Bayer Animal Health has obtained two new licensed indications for its antiparasiticide, Advocate.
The first is that the product is now licensed for the treatment of Crenosoma vulpis using a single dose. The second is that in addition to the existing treatment of Angiostrongylus vasorum claim, Advocate is now indicated for its prevention, using monthly spot-on applications.
This comes at a time when, according to Bayer, independent market research shows that vets are diagnosing Angiostrongylus vasorum at an increasing rate. Figures for 2010 place the incidence of vets who have confirmed cases at 37%, more than double the 16% confirmed in 2008, with a further 19% of vets reporting suspected cases.
Bayer is also stepping up its 'Be Lungworm Aware' consumer campaign, with the addition of a local and national radio campaign throughout October. The public information style advert will warn owners of the dangers associated with the parasite A.vasorum, and urging them to stay vigilant for signs their dog may be infected.
Veterinary staff can also direct clients who wish to learn more about lungworm to http://www.lungworm.co.uk/.
For more information on Advocate, please contact your sales representative or telephone Bayer on 01635 563000.
Elanco Companion Animal Health, maker of Comfortis and Trifexis, has launched Common parasites of dogs, a new publication designed to help veterinary professionals advising clients about the benefits of regular parasite control.
Focusing on endoparasites, the booklet includes information about roundworm (Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonine), hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum), whipworm (Trichuris vulpis), heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis), lungworm (Angiostrongylus vasorum), tapeworm (Dipylidium caninum) and fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.). It includes details on the lifecycle of the parasites, how they develop, symptoms and sources of infection, whether the parasites are a risk to pets and humans and illustrations to explain their lifecycle and show what each of the parasites looks like.
Common parasites of dogs is available in two formats: a 'tablet friendly' electronic version and a booklet consisting of individual cards on a metal snap ring.
Matthew Rowe, senior brand manager at Elanco Companion Animal Health, said: "Pet owners often get confused by the different parasites that can be picked up by their dogs. The new common parasites of dogs education tool will help veterinary professionals advise their clients about parasites and the benefits of routine worming and flea treatments."
For a copy of Common parasites of dogs electronically or as a booklet, contact your Elanco Companion Animal Health key account manager or email elancoCAH.uk@elanco.com.
Lots of April Fool's Day gags involving animals this year...
The Sun reported that Sir Richard Branson's health club chain, Virgin Active, is launching a new gym for dogs only, to combat the pet obesity epidemic. Alton Towers supposedly launched a new rollercoaster ride for dogs only. Meanwhile, Pasante, a condom manufacturer, launched the 'condog', though this seems to be a variation on an idea that has been around for a while now.
My favourites, though, were two April fools unrelated to animals. The first was from Cadbury's, made more believable by the fact that it was planted in the Southampton Echo. The second was the announcement by BMW that Dr. Noit All, the company's Head of Innovation, had developed a fuel-saving system called Magnetic Tow Technology (MTT). Readers were invited to keep abreast with future developments from BMW by emailing Dr. Noit All's colleague at uve.vollenvorit@bmw.co.uk.
CEVA Animal Health has launched a new website - www.dapfordogs.com - to advise veterinary professionals and dog owners about its veterinary behaviour product, D.A.P.
The new site features advice on how to prevent stress at key stages of a dog's life, from puppyhood and socialisation through to adulthood and old age. It also offers an email and SMS monthly reminder service to advise pet owners when to change the refill on their D.A.P. diffuser, a 'find a stockist' search and 'frequently asked questions' section.
In the 'Veterinary Zone', veterinary professionals can order marketing material, download D.A.P. trials and gain further information on news and events including updates on CPD meetings.
To support the site CEVA has created a Facebook page, D.A.P. - The Secret to Happy Dogs, and D.A.P. can now be followed on Twitter: http://twitter.com/dapfordogs/.
Dechra Veterinary Products has awarded two prizes to Veterinary Nurse students at Myerscough College in Bilsborrow, near Preston.
The winners of the Dechra prizes were Rebecca Farrow, from Helmsley, North Yorkshire, who was the RCVS Equine Veterinary Nursing Level 3 top student, and Louise Adamson, from Farnworth in Bolton, RCVS Equine Veterinary Nursing Level 2 top student. The awards recognise the exceptional dedication and commitment that they have put into their studies.
Kathy Kissick, Learning Manager for Veterinary Nursing at Myerscough College, says: "We are grateful to Dechra for supporting our Veterinary Nurse students and awarding these prizes. We are pleased with the high levels our students continue to achieve. Both Rebecca and Louise can be very happy with their efforts during their time at the College."
Patrick Markey, Marketing Manger at Dechra Veterinary Products, says: "We recognise the important role Veterinary Nurses have in a vet practice and are pleased to have been involved in sponsoring these awards. We wish the winners every success in their future careers."
Hill's Nurse Roadshows return in May with a 4 venue tour of the southern region. The theme is weight management and mobility and the organisers promise fun-filled, fact-packed events. The evenings will address a broad ranging syllabus that includes setting up a weight management clinic using the latest dietary innovations alongside sessions on how to effectively promote it to your clients. It also will explain how to develop an individual exercise plan for both overweight but mobile animals, and for those overweight pets with mobility impairment. Guest speakers include vet Lowri Davies who runs her own sports medicine and rehabilitation veterinary clinic in Swansea and is a holder of Certificates in both Veterinary Acupuncture and Canine Rehabilitation and Julie Corey Dip AVN (Med) Cert AAB MBIPDT (Adv) who qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1994 and has a Certificate in Applied Animal Behaviour as well as an Advanced Grade from the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT). The roadshows are being held at Milton Keynes on 12th of May, Tunbridge Wells on 13th of May, Exeter on 14th of May and Cheltenham on 15th of May. All the roadshow events run from 7.00 pm for an 8pm start and include a buffet meal and refreshments. To book a free place at any of the roadshows including the practice based event in Cardiff call Jane Quail, Education Coordinator at Hill's on 01923 814454.
Vétoquinol has released the results of a survey of 1000 dog owners, which looked into their attitudes towards long-term medication for their pet1.
Owners were asked to rate how important various factors were to them when it came to giving medicine long term to their dog. They were also asked to consider what they felt was most important to their vet when it came to choosing a medicine.
Vétoquinol says the fact that dog owners rate the effectiveness of a medication much more highly than the cost means there is very little reason to compromise on treatment based on a presumption of what clients will want to pay. These findings are also largely very positive in that they suggest that dog owners believe that in many areas vets are making decisions based on criteria that are important to owners. The area where there is the greatest mismatch is over the risk of side effects of medication.
Pet owners think that vets may take the risk of side effects from long-term medications less seriously than the owners themselves might prefer. It suggests that the risk of potential harm, no matter how small the risk of actual harm is, may be more unacceptable to the dog owner than vets and nurses might otherwise presume. When prescribing long-term medication there is a need to talk about the risks associated with medication more openly and to take the client's attitudes to risk into consideration.
1. A survey of 1048 dog owners, carried out by petbuzz, on behalf of Vétoquinol, March 2011
Petplan is running its television advertising campaign from now until October.
The advert (below) is airing on Sky 1, Sky Atlantic, ITV2, ITV3, More 4, Gold and USA.
Suzanne Cheadle, Acting Head of Marketing at Petplan said: "As the UK market leader, it is imperative that pet owners recognise and understand who we are and what we stand for. We need to help pet owners understand not only why pet insurance is so important, but explain why they should choose Petplan over any other provider. In 36 years, there's not an illness or accident that we haven't seen, and our Covered For Life policies have been developed with unrivalled knowledge and experience."
Zoetis has announced the launch of Apoquel (oclacitinib maleate), a new treatment for pruritus associated with canine allergic dermatitis and the clinical manifestations of atopic dermatitis.
Uniquely, the new treatment inhibits the JAK enzyme, a protein that is integral to the signalling pathway of cytokines that are pro-inflammatory or have a role in allergic and itch response.
According to the company, pruritus affects about one in six dogs whose owners seek veterinary help, and about half of all itchy dogs will have an underlying allergic skin condition for which the new product would be indicated.
Zoetis says that because Apoquel targets the specific pathways of pruritus (itch) and inflammation, it is less likely to cause unwanted side effects than glucocorticoids and demonstrates anti-pruritic efficacy within four hours.
Pascal Prélaud, a dermatology specialist from Paris, who took part in the clinical development programme of Apoquel, said: "When a dog develops an itch related to an allergy, it can be life-disrupting for the dog and the entire family. I've learned firsthand the fundamental difference this treatment can make to a dog and its owners in stopping the itch, but without many of the side-effects that are common with steroids.
Zoetis reports that in clinical trials, Apoquel demonstrated a good safety profile and efficacy for the treatment of pruritus and resulted in improved skin lesions in dogs diagnosed with a number of allergic skin diseases as well as atopic dermatitis and treated either short or long term. The decrease in itch scores was observed by pet owners within 24 hours of administration, and pruritus continued to decrease compared to baseline until the end of the study. Skin lesions scores assessed by veterinarians were significantly improved after one week and continued to improve long term during the studies (four months).
Apoquel is a POM. Apoquel tablets, dosed at 0.4 to 0.6 mg/kg, are administered orally, twice daily for up to 14 days, and then administered once daily for maintenance therapy if medium- to long-term treatment is required, such as in dogs with seasonal skin allergy and atopic dermatitis.
Pedigree® today launched its 2009 Pedigree Adoption DriveTM to highlight the issue of dog abandonment in the UK.
It is estimated that there are 100,000 abandoned or stray dogs in the UK every year. Pedigree surveyed animal rescue homes across the UK and in just 33 centres, found that over the course of just eight days between Christmas and New Year, an average of 12 dogs were abandoned per centre, equalling more than one every day*.
Clarissa Baldwin, Chair of the Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) comments: ‘These statistics illustrate the severity of the situation. As a nation of so-called dog lovers, it is unacceptable that pets are being treated as throwaway commodities. Dog ownership is a privilege, not a right.'
Jane Bingham, Pedigree Adoption Drive Manager said ‘We are saddened by the alarming number of dogs being abandoned each year. Our aim is to help raise awareness of the issue of dog abandonment to ensure that re-homing centres are given support to enable them to continue their wonderful work.
‘The rewards pets provide to responsible dog owners are evident yet the figures show there are still thousands of dogs who are in need of loving homes.'
Pedigree's research has found that over seven million dog owners state that their dog makes them happier and over 1 in 4 (nearly three million dog owners) actually admit they love their dog more than some members of their own family.**
The Pedigree Adoption Drive aims to not only increase the public's awareness of dog abandonment, but also to raise funds to help rescue centres and charities across the UK re-home these dogs. Now in its second year, The Pedigree Adoption Drive is aiming to increase monies donated from last year's £489,000 to £600,000 by donating 2p for every single Pedigree product sold during January and February 2009.
For more information visit The Pedigree Adoption Drive website - www.pedigreeadoptiondrive.com.
The Royal Veterinary College has launched an appeal to the veterinary profession to raise a target of £10,000 to enable VetAid Kenya to help during what has become the worst drought in living memory in the Horn of Africa.
According to the RVC, the drought has already forced over one million cattle and small stock south into the Tana Delta district of Kenya in search of grazing. Crowded together, these weakened animals are at major risk of infectious and parasitic disease. In some cases 80-90% mortality can be expected in herds or flocks. Without veterinary intervention, breeding livestock for communities in the Horn of Africa drought area will be devastated.
Government veterinary services are stretched and they are assisted in a coordinated response involving Vétérinaires Sans Frontières (Belgium, Switzerland and Germany) and VetAid Kenya which has staff in the field protecting herds. The programme has been partly funded by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), but with funds running low this vital activity is at risk just as it is most needed. VetAid Kenya is now the only veterinary agency working in the area, implementing an emergency vaccination programme to protect the breeding stock.
Gabriel Turasha, Director of VetAid Kenya said: "We only have one team working in Tana River and desperately need funds to send out three more teams as soon as possible. £10,000 would cover the cost of three teams, transport and vaccinations to treat 20,000 animals per week. This will make a real difference as we are providing the only veterinary support in this vast area.
"Our vaccination teams are ready to go out into the field at a few days notice. We just need to mobilize them. This is where the UK veterinary profession can help - every pound donated will make a huge difference!"
RVC Principal Professor Stuart Reid said: "Veterinary services are seriously stretched in Kenya and the only organisations with the flexibility, initiative and expertise to respond this to emergency are the veterinary NGOs such as VetAid Kenya and its Vétérinaires Sans Frontières partners.
"FAO has limited budget to spend on disaster response and RVC has a longstanding relationship with VetAid Kenya and with the region in general. As a College, we strongly feel that we should do all we can to support pastoral farmers in the region, and mounting this appeal is one way in which we can respond to the ongoing disaster and support our veterinary colleagues in East Africa."
The RVC and all other agencies involved in this appeal are contributing their services pro-bono so that all funds raised will go to the programme to help the people and animals struggling with the drought.
To donate, visit: www.rvc.ac.uk/vetaidkenya
Scientists from the Animal Health Trust, The Roslin Institute and the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh have launched a study which aims to create a diagnostic test that will allow breeders to assess genetic risk for hip and elbow dysplasia in their dogs.
Dr Sarah Blott, from the Animal Health Trust, said: "Currently the screening process for hip and elbow dysplasia is costly and requires dogs to undergo general anaesthetic so they can be x-rayed.
"Through our study we hope to create a non-invasive DNA-based test that will allow breeders to test much earlier than is currently possible and without the use of GA."
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the UK and worldwide. There were more than 40,000 puppies registered with The Kennel Club in 2010. The development of a DNA test will benefit dogs around the world by enabling breeders to make more informed breeding choices.
According to the Animal Health Trust, the introduction of a DNA test to identify genetic risk of hip and elbow dysplasia will:
Dr Pam Wiener, from The Roslin Institute, said: "We're very grateful to the BBSRC for funding this study. If we are able to gather enough information and samples there is a very real possibility that in the next few years we will be able to develop a DNA test that will make a major contribution towards eradicating hip and elbow dysplasia in Labrador Retrievers.
"It is also likely that we will be able to use what we learn from the Labrador Retriever study to benefit dogs of other breeds and to prevent other diseases."
To collect information for the study a simple questionnaire is being sent, through The Kennel Club, to owners of Kennel Club registered Hip Scored Labrador Retrievers who were born between 2004 and 2007. The study group is hoping to obtain questionnaires and samples from at least 2,000 Labrador Retrievers.
If you have a Kennel Club registered Hip Scored Labrador Retriever aged between four and seven years old and would like to participate in the study, please visit the AHT website (www.aht.org.uk/labrador.html) or email melissa.fitzgibbon@aht.org.uk
Once questionnaires have been received, the AHT will send each participant a DNA sampling kit to enable owners to provide a DNA sample from their dog through a simple mouth swab. Owners providing the first 1,500 analysed DNA samples will receive a free genetic profile for hip and elbow dysplasia on their dog.
Petplan has announced the finalists for the 2012 Petplan Veterinary Awards.
According to the company, the awards have been more popular than ever, with over 3,000 nominations submitted for exceptional veterinary staff across the UK.
The finalists for each of the categories are:
Vet of the YearZaila Dunbar, Queens Park Veterinary Practice - London Tony Barnes, Manor Veterinary Clinic - FolkestoneMark Taylor, Feldon Veterinary Centre - Bedworth
Vet Nurse of the YearLucy Kells, The Wildlife Aid Foundation - LeatherheadRachael Harris, Elms Veterinary Surgery - MonmouthSarah Algar, Brentknoll Veterinary Centre Ltd - Worcester
Support Staff of the YearSarah Bowler, Holly House Veterinary Surgery - KnutsfordJane Wyatt, George Hunt and Son - PoyntonCathy Campbell, Haygate Veterinary Centre - Telford
Vet Practice of the YearEastcott Veterinary Clinic and Hospital - SwindonPrince Bishop Veterinary Hospital - County DurhamBroadleys Veterinary Hospital - Stirling
Simon Masding, Petplan's Head of Sales and Partnerships, said: "The Vet of the Year Awards are the highlight of our Petplan calendar because they recognise the dedication that the veterinary industry puts into providing the nation's pets with the best possible treatment. Each year the nominations reach an even higher standard and we're delighted with this year's finalists. At Petplan we work with more veterinary professionals than any other insurance provider and it is through these awards that we thank the profession on behalf of UK pet owners."
Petplan has also announced that comedian Seann Walsh, known for his appearances on shows like Mock the Week and Michael McIntyre's Comedy Roadshow, will be this year's compère for the Vet of the Year Awards. Following in the footsteps of previous compères Michael McIntyre, Alistair McGowan, Frankie Boyle and Jason Manford; he will be entertaining this year's guests on the 12th April at Birmingham Town Hall.
For further information visit www.petplan.co.uk/vetawards/
Sue, an RCVS and European Specialist in Veterinary Dermatalogy and Senior Vice President of the European Society of Dermatology, says the failure to prioritise pain relief is having a "profound effect on the quality of life of both dogs and clients."
Sue is urging vets to think about the impact that pain has on both the dog and owner in cases of OE: "Otitis externa is painful, it’s debilitating, and the degree of discomfort is often underestimated by both the veterinary surgeon and by the client."
Sue also says vets should not underestimate the owner’s concern about pain in their dog. Owners recognise the clinical signs associated with the pain of OE and determine treatment success by their dog recovering from these distressing symptoms.
To help manage the pain associated with OE, Sue recommends a multi-modal approach: "In addition to systemic pain relief, which is really important, a potent topical steroid is really useful to reduce the inflammation inside that dog’s ear, and make it much more comfortable."
Sue also highlights OE treatments which are able to coat the ear canal and stay there long enough to treat the pathogens and provide sustained pain relief: "When you put it into the ear, Osurnia Gel coats the lining of the external ear canal which gives prolonged contact with the lining of the canal to help treat the pathogens inside that dog’s ear."
Elanco says that despite Osurnia entering the market two years ago, some vets are still saving it for difficult cases. Sue said: "Too many vets use this [Osurnia] as a second-line drug and it should be used as a first-line product on the first occasion the dog comes through the door."
To watch the full series of videos and to find out more from Sue Paterson on treating otitis externa in dogs, visit: www.Osurnia.co.uk
Surrey-based Sarah Taylor and Zoe Daley launched the website earlier this year with a range which includes the Medicat wrap to make it easier to medicate and examine cats, and the Slumberpet Recovery Coat for dogs and for cats, for maintaining temperature during anaesthetics.
In addition, they've got a range of funky scrub caps, plus ID tags for your scissors and stethoscopes, fob watches, scrub hats and pens.