In the 15 minute podcast, Carolyn Kyte, a vet in general practice, talks to Natalie Barnard, a veterinary dermatology specialist from Highcroft Referrals, and together they share their experience of the challenges of treating animals with otitis and explain why owners play a important role in successful treatment of the condition.
Dechra Brand Manager Carol Morgan said: “Otitis is very common, particularly in dogs, but there is no ‘quick fix’ when some underlying factors are causing the problem. This can lead to frustration for the pet’s owners and animals not getting the consistent treatment they need to get better.
“What Carolyn and Natalie bring to the table with their new podcast for the Dechra Academy is a light and insightful discussion about communication and education being the keystone for better otitis outcomes and how vets can improve on their consultation skills to handle cases better.”
The otitis podcast is here: https://academy.dechra.com/learn/course/internal/view/elearning/1034/think-differently-about-otitis
The company points to research which found that 89% of the veterinary profession wants to play a more active role in the sustainability agenda1.
For that reason, Boehringer says it put sustainability at the heart of Aservo EquiHaler, which uses no propellant gasses and the container for which is made from up to 50% recycled materials.
Now Boehringer has launched the first recycling programme for a prescription medicine in the UK to support the responsible disposal of the Aservo EquiHaler.
To join the programme, you need to visit: https://equihaler.uk/recycling, set up a TerraCycle account and register your practice. Boehringer says it only takes 10 minutes.
Once signed-up, a Boehringer Ingelheim Territory Manager will arrange for a collection box to be delivered, along with supporting practice display posters. When the box is full, there is a free pick-up service.
Practices that sign-up for the programme before 31st July 2021 will be entered into a prize draw, with the chance to win a year’s supply of ethically-sourced chocolate for their practice.
Reference:
The project was launched as a joint initiative between the RCVS and the BVNA in 2016. Its objectives included highlighting veterinary nursing as a career, encouraging more people into veterinary nursing, improving retention, expanding the scope of the VN role, and providing more opportunity for career progression.
The report begins by highlighting perhaps the biggest challenge facing the profession, that in 2019, 25% of veterinary nurses said they plan to leave the profession in the next five years, largely because of poor pay, because they don't feel sufficiently valued, lack of career opportunities and because of a poor work/life balance.
The main achievements of the project, which should certainly help with some of these issues, include:
Jill Macdonald, VN Futures Project Coordinator, said: "The report is a culmination of years of hard work, putting in place measures to champion the veterinary nursing profession and safeguard it for the future. Through the introduction of initiatives like the School Ambassador Development Programme and the introduction of the CertAVN, to name but a few, we have put in place steps to inspire the next generation of veterinary nurses and support the training and development of people currently working in the profession."
You can read the full VN Futures Interim Report at https://www.vnfutures.org.uk/resource-items/vn-futures-interim-report-2021
MSD says the Summer Staycation campaign is designed to support the needs of new dog owners and those taking their dogs to areas outside their local region, where parasites risks will be different.
The campaign offers veterinary practices a range of resources, including client emails, a downloadable guide to parasites, social media posts and an interactive risk checker on the Keeping Britain's Pets Healthy website. There is also some training for front of house staff and receptionists at https://www.msd-animal-health-hub.co.uk/cpd/staycation.
Nicola Barclay, Senior Product Manager at MSD Animal Health said: "Summer holidays will be taking a different form this year with most people planning trips in the UK, making it more likely they will take their pets.
"What's important is that seasoned and new owners alike are aware of the parasite risks in the places they're visiting so they aren't putting the health of their pets at risk.
"We're therefore providing a range of resources to help veterinary practices encourage pet owners to make sure there are no breaks in their parasite protection and vaccinations and that they are appropriately protected for the places they'll be visiting."
Dr Ian Wright, Head of ESCCAP UK & Ireland added: "The research findings from The Big Tick Project in 2015 found that 1 in 3 dogs coming into veterinary practices during the summer months had ticks on them.
"Research is also showing many parasites extending their range with an increased risk of human and pet exposure. Warming temperatures mean that ticks can be encountered all year round in the UK, carrying potentially dangerous pathogens to dogs and people including Lyme disease and Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV).
"With so many new dog owners and people being more likely to holiday in the UK, making sure dog owners understand the risks, while keeping them in proportion, and giving appropriate protection advice is vital.''
For more information, contact your MSD Animal Health account manager.
The survey is the second stage of a three stage review recommended to RCVS Council by the College’s Standards Committee in 2019, after it looked at the implications of new technologies for both animal welfare and veterinary regulation.
The main areas under consideration include the provision of 24/7 emergency cover and the interpretation and application of an animal being under the care of a veterinary surgeon. The review also encompasses remote consulting.
In stage one of the review, the RCVS commissioned a research agency to conduct a series of focus group discussions with veterinary professionals working in a variety of roles and sectors. The information gleaned from the discussions was then used to develop the questions for this survey.
The survey will ask veterinary professionals to reflect on what, for them, should underpin good regulations and guidelines for practice.
It will then ask respondents how these principles should be applied in particular situations relating to 24/7 emergency cover and 'under care' before inviting their views on how they would like regulations on these two areas to deal with any tensions between different desirable regulatory aims.
The survey results will be used to help produce any changes to the RCVS Code of Professional Conduct and its supporting guidance concerning ‘under care’ and the provision of 24/7 emergency cover, which will then be put out for full public consultation later this year.
Chair of the RCVS Standards Committee, Dr Melissa Donald, said: “This review addresses fundamental questions about how we should continue to interpret ‘under care’ in a profession, and a society, that is largely unrecognisable to the one that first defined the term, and, at the same time, how we can continue to provide 24/7 emergency cover for those animals under our care.
“The original Vet Futures report also emphasised the impact that technological advances may have on the veterinary professions, so we must ensure we have in place a regulatory framework that gives consideration to these potential changes whilst ensuring animal health and welfare remain at its heart.
“These are challenging but hugely important questions on which we are hoping to receive as much feedback as possible. I do understand the huge pressures my vet and vet nurse colleagues continue to work under at the moment, so would like to thank them in advance for taking a little time out of their busy days to send us their views.”
The survey will open on Wednesday, 19th May 2021 for all UK-based veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses.
All responses will be used and reported anonymously, so respondents will not be identified.
The survey will be open for four weeks, closing at 5pm on Wednesday, 16 June 2021.
It should take 15-20 minutes to complete, but can be returned to and completed in stages if preferred.
Further background information about the Under Care Review is available at www.rcvs.org.uk/undercare.
Veterinary nurses, veterinary technicians and certain veterinary paraprofessionals around the world will soon be able to enrol for the first Distance Learning Veterinary Nurse (NCert)/ Veterinary Technician (VTCert)/Veterinary Paraprofessional (VPP) programmes.
The NCert, VTCert and VPP are due to launch in March 2021.
They each consist of eight modules, delivered using interactive online learning techniques. Delegates are guided through each module by a module tutor, while a discussion forum offers them the opportunity to share experiences and ideas with colleagues from around the world. Training in study skills and reflective practice is built into the programme to ensure that a holistic approach is taken to the learning experience.
Dr Charlotte French, Head of Curriculum and Quality at Improve International, said: “We wanted to create an exciting, practical and innovative learning experience that would offer the maximum flexibility to ambitious veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians anywhere in the world, who are keen to advance their career but need to fit their learning around their work and home responsibilities.
"We believe the modular structure and phased delivery of our programmes will offer a new level of accessibility and convenience to our delegates while giving them unique features, such as the opportunity to share their learning with colleagues from around the world and to gain support from vets and vet nurses who are specialised in their field.”
Assessment for the certificates will be undertaken by Improve’s assessment partner the International School of Veterinary Postgraduate Studies (ISVPS), and comprises:
Both examinations will be taken online with remote invigilation.
Dr Sheila Wills, Director of ISVPS, said: “Following feedback from candidates and our examiners, we have recently enhanced the examination process we offer to candidates to provide a robust assessment, while giving them the opportunity to clearly demonstrate that their learning has been understood and that they can apply it in a clinical setting.”
Further information on both programmes can be found here: https://www.improveinternational.com/uk/distance-learning-nurse/
Hill's Pet Nutrition has highlighted recent studies which, the company says, prove that feeding a food enriched with omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils to dogs with osteoarthritis results in a reduction in NSAID dosage of up to 25%1, owner observed improvements in clinical signs3, and improved weight bearing ability2, 7
The claim that food can effectively support medical treatment follows in the wake of two published and one in press study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medicine Association (JAVMA). These demonstrate that omega-3 enriched food (in this case Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Canine) has significant effects on weight bearing and helps reduce NSAID dosage by up to 25 per cent, when fed to dogs with osteoarthritis 1, 2,3.
According to Hill's, the research demonstrates that in dogs the high levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) from fish oils can down-regulate the cartilage degrading enzyme aggrecanase1. In vitro studies have also identified that EPA resulted in a reduction in the amount of degraded cartilage residue produced4. High levels of omega-3 fatty acids can also help to reduce inflammation5,6.
The two studies that were recently published confirm that feeding a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids aids in the management of osteoarthritis in dogs2,3. The randomized double-blinded controlled trials were carried out over three and six months respectively and involved a total of 165 dogs identified as suffering from mild to moderate osteoarthritis. After collating the results from almost 25,000 trial days, researchers were able to confirm a significant 'clinical improvement' from feeding a food fortified with fatty acids.
In the first study described in JAVMA, researchers found evidence that omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils resulted in improvements in weight bearing2. Objective measurement using force plate gait analysis demonstrated that dogs fed a test food fortified with fatty acids were seven times as likely to show improved weight bearing compared with dogs fed a control food.
In the second study, through a detailed questionnaire, owners also observed significant improvements in their dog's osteoarthritic condition3. Improvements observed covered the following signs: difficulty in rising from rest, limping, stiffness, soreness when touched, yelping or whimpering in pain, aggression, lagging on walks, reluctance to play and overall activity level.
Adrian Pratt, Veterinary Affairs Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition, manufacturer of Prescription Diet j/d, which is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, hailed the results as a breakthrough in the field of nutrigenomics (the study of the effects of nutrition on gene expression): "This research points the way to a new model for the management of osteoarthritis, using a clinically proven food to interrupt the cycle of damage and cartilage degradation, alongside graded levels of NSAIDs and proactive programmes to manage weight and adjust exercise routines. Clinicians now have the conclusive proof they need to recommend feeding omega-3 enriched food to ameliorate the signs of osteoarthritis in clients' pets and to adjust NSAID doses accordingly."
For further information on Hill's Prescription Diet j/d, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438.
References1. A multicenter study of the effect of a therapeutic food supplemented with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on the Carpofen dosage in dogs with osteoarthritis. Fritsch A, Allen T, Dodd C, JAVMA in press2. Evaluation of the effects of dietary supplementation with fish oil omega-3 fatty acids on weight bearing in dogs. Roush J, Cross A, Renberg W, Dodd C, Sixby K, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp67-733. Multicenter veterinary practice assessment of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on osteoarthritis in dogs. Roush J, Dodd C, Fritsch A, Allen T, Jewell D, Schoenherr W, Richardson D, Leventhal P, Hahn K, JAVMA Vol 236 No 1, Jan 2010 pp 59-664. Eicosapentaenoate supplementation abrogates canine articular cartilage degeneration in in vitro explant culture systems, Caterson B, Cramp J, Little C B et al, Hills European Symposium on osteoarthritis and joint health 2005 14-195. Dietary modification of inflammation with lipids, P C Calder, Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 2002 345-3586. Dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and inflammatory mediator production, James M J, Cleland L G, Gibson R A, Am J Clin Nut 2000: 71 suppl 343S- 358S7. Vasseur PB, Johnson AL, Budsberg SC, et al. Randomized, controlled trial of the efficacy of carprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1995; 206 (6): 807-811.
The company points to research which showed that in the US, and despite the importance of annual health checks, 45.7% of cats did not visit a veterinary surgeon in the year the study was conducted. Of those, 41% cited the reason as their “cats did not get sick or injured.” Only 16% said they did not have the money to pay for a veterinary visit.1,2
Apparently, a more recent poll by International Cat Care (ICC) also found that 50% of cat owners struggle to get their cat into a carrier, which is obviously a barrier to taking their pet to the veterinary clinic.
To help more cats get to the vet, International Cat Care has developed educational materials and a range of training aids including free online training videos, podcasts, emails and giveaways. They're available at: https://icatcare.org/international-cat-day.
Dr. Michael McFarland, Chief Medical Officer at Zoetis, said: "Many cat owners find it incredibly difficult and stressful getting cats into a carrier. As a result, many are reluctant to take their cat to their veterinarian unless they have a major health issue.
“Cats are intelligent animals and we want owners to know that they respond well to training. The ICC survey found that owners who use positive training and rewards find it much easier to get their cats into a carrier, so we are delighted to support the #BeCatCurious campaign this year.
“Visits to the veterinarian and giving medicines when needed are essential if we want to keep our pets healthy and protected, for example against parasites. So, encouraging owners to be more curious and to learn something new with their cat can not only strengthen the bond between them but also make life easier and healthier for cats and their owners.
References
As a result of the new partnership, customers of Bought By Many will have access to free video consultations with UK-registered veterinary surgeons via the FirstVet app.
In their blurb, the companies say that: "Many common pet health issues can be treated in the comfort of their own home, meaning owners only need to take their pet to the vet when absolutely necessary. Bought By Many customers can save time, money and potential stress to their pet by using the free FirstVet service. When a referral to a local vet is needed, FirstVet provides detailed notes of the initial consultation to both the owner and the vet."
David Prien, FirstVet’s CEO & co-founder, said: "FirstVet couldn't be more excited to offer our veterinary video consultation service together with Bought By Many in the UK.
"From our first meeting with the Bought By Many team, we knew that our values were aligned. We both share a mission to bring the best that technology has to offer both to pet owners and to the veterinary care process.
"Offering pet owners the chance to speak face-to-face with an experienced veterinarian via a video call is a great way to make sure that all pets are getting the right treatment, as fast as possible, in the right location."
For more information on Bought by Many, visit boughtbymany.com/pet-insurance.
Long-term help for pet firework fears has been written by clinical pet behaviourist, Charlotte Carr MSc BSc (Hons), technical behaviour manager at Ceva Animal Health.
The booklet covers the impact of loud noises on pets, the signs to look out for, the importance of planning ahead, tips on finding the right recordings for desensitisation, preparing a room for therapy and appropriate rewards and reactions.
It also includes a plan on how to implement desensitisation by associating noises with a pleasant experience, such as high value treats or a game.
The booklet encourages the use of an Adaptil Calm Diffuser or Feliway Optimum Diffuser to support therapy and positive association.
To order copies of the ‘Long-term help for pet firework fears’ booklet, contact your local Ceva Animal Health territory manager or email cevauk@ceva.com.
The one hour meeting will take place at 8:00pm on Wednesday 5th May. It will be recorded and available after the event. Simon will begin with a brief background to IR35 and how the system has worked historically. He will then explain what has changed and what the options are for locums (and the impact on their income). The meeting will consider things like the criteria that locums need to fulfill to qualify as sole traders, how to use CEST and alternatives to IR35. There will then be an opportunity to ask questions. All registrants are being invited to submit questions in advance, and the plan is that on the night, groups of four participants will be invited to put their questions to Simon together, in a sort of mini discussion. This'll be repeated as many times as possible within the hour. The meeting is the first in a series planned for VetSurgeon and VetNurse members to meet up, share ideas and make better connections with each other. To register, visit: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0rf-GurDIsGdP7UXuJn8TJChZiyXMbdKP_
For more information about Moore Scarrott, see: https://www.moore-scarrott.co.uk
Owners found not to have microchipped their cat will have 21 days to have one implanted, or face a fine of up to £500.
Cats Protection, which has campaigned for years for the measure, says the new regulations will be a major step forward for cat welfare in England.
According to its research, 2.8 million or roughly 26% of the UK's 10.8 million pet cats are not currently microchipped.
Animal Welfare Minister Lord Goldsmith said: "These new rules will help protect millions of cats across the country and will be brought in alongside a range of other protections we are introducing under our Action Plan for Animal Welfare.
The Government is also reviewing the regulations on dog microchipping and the related microchipping database systems to consider whether improvements can be made.
The new cat microchipping rules will come into force once this review has completed.
Carbodote Prime is the first activated charcoal product for cats and dogs to contain a cathartic, which speeds up intestinal transit time so that bound toxins are expelled more quickly.
Carbodote Repeat is for those situations where repeated administration of plain activated charcoal is needed due to the type of the toxin involved.
Carbodote Repeat can be administered to the patient every 4-6 hours over 24-48 hours.
Both products are presented as a ready-mixed, easy to swallow gel formulation, for less mess and reduced risk of aspiration.
TVM says the 60ml ‘dial and dispense’ syringes make administration easy for both veterinary staff and pet owners.
For more information, visit www.tvm-uk.com/carbodote or contact your Territory Manager.
The Group has trained almost 100 of its staff as 'mental health first aiders'.
Michelle O’Connor, the Linnaeus Group’s people and culture director (pictured right), said: "Veterinarians are three to four times more likely to die by suicide than workers from any other industry.
"Because of this alarming statistic, we have put wellbeing at the very forefront of our strategy and have so far trained nearly 100 mental health first aiders within the group.
The Linnaeus volunteers, who are taken from both office and clinical roles, have all attended a training course run by Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA) to acquire the skills to support their own and others’ wellbeing.
The MHFA course trains people to identify the signs of mental ill health, to break down the stigma and barriers surrounding mental health and listen to colleagues in a non-judgemental way, and to help direct those suffering from issues to the support and guidance that’s available.
Michelle added: "We realise training on how to spot signs of a crisis and become a mental health first aider alone does not address the prevailing stigma around mental health in the workplace.
"So, in addition, we are developing a culture where support and conversations about mental health are normalised, so that colleagues feel able to reach out for the important support they need."
Training topics the company is covering include: general wound care products, debridement, exudate management and post-operative wound protection.
Essity says it can tailor the training to suit your needs, and if you book a session, it'll send you a free advanced wound care sample pack containing items relating to your specific training.
Charlotte Wood, the Key Account Manager Veterinary Channel at Essity said: "We're excited to be offering virtual meetings to veterinary practices. Why not book a meeting now to find out more about our Advanced Wound Care including new Cutimed Debriclean!"
To book a meeting, email your name, practice details and training request to: Concierge.Service@essity.com
The chewable, prescription-only tablet contains sarolaner, which kills fleas and ticks; moxidectin, for the prevention of heartworm, lungworm disease and for the treatment of some intestinal worms; and pyrantel embonate, for the treatment of gastrointestinal nematodes (hookworms and roundworms).
Professor Tim Geary, BSc PhD, Professor Emeritus, Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Canada, and Professor, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University, Belfast, a consultant to Zoetis, said: “Serious diseases that are preventable and of increasing prevalence threaten dogs in Canada and Europe. Simparica Trio today offers a better solution to preventing and controlling these parasites against the concern of their increasing prevalence."
Rob Kelly, President, International Operations at Zoetis said: "With Simparica Trio, we bring to market an advanced parasiticide solution, helping to deliver improved client satisfaction and patient protection.
"Thanks to its broad spectrum, Simparica Trio helps veterinarians and dog owners provide more complete parasite coverage with a single-monthly chewable tablet. The broad spectrum of Simparica Trio minimises the potential risk of parasite protection gaps."
Simparica Trio is indicated for dogs from at least eight weeks of age and 1.25 kg and will be available in six tablet strengths for dogs of all sizes.
For more information about Simparica Trio and full prescribing information, visit www.zoetis.com.
The Working Group, which was formed in January, is chaired by Nigel Gibbens (pictured right) and composed of representatives from BVA specialist divisions and affiliate groups, and others with relevant expertise and knowledge.
As the Association says, the RCVS review will potentially have a far-reaching impact on the future of the veterinary profession, animal health and welfare, and the relationships vets and practices have with their clients.
Of particular concern are the impact of remote prescribing on animal welfare and how limited-service providers (ie those offering online consultations only) will affect the commercial viability of full-service providers.
It is therefore hugely important that the BVA's response represents the opinions and evidence of as many people in the profession as possible.
Information about the BVA Working Group, including the minutes of meetings held so far and the 'themes' document which reflects the group's current thoughts, can be found here: https://www.bva.co.uk/about-us/our-structure/working-groups/
Nigel said: "I encourage you to look at this information carefully, and feed in any evidence that you wish the group to consider along with your thoughts on the content of the BVA response to the RCVS. You can do this via BVA’s Head of Policy & Governance Amelia Findon (ameliaf@bva.co.uk) who will ensure that comments are collated and considered by our group.
"The breadth of opinion across the profession means that the BVA response cannot please everyone, nor should it attempt to. However, it will be based on available evidence and a good understanding of the full scope of views. BVA policy will thus reflect the majority view whilst embracing the positive potential of technological innovations that will inevitably change the way we interact with clients. I urge you to take the time to consider the implications and let us have your thoughts."
The Kennel Club has confirmed that the BBC has pulled out of broadcasting Crufts next year.
According to the Kennel Club, the decision was reached following what it described as 'unreasonable demands' from the BBC, including the exclusion of certain breeds of dog from the group competition at the show.
The Kennel Club says the BBC's demands took no account of the measures it has in place to improve the health of pedigree dogs, or of the fact that judges will be trained to help ensure that all dogs being awarded prizes at Crufts will be healthy representatives of their breed.
Ronnie Irving, Kennel Club Chairman, said "I am very sorry that BBC audiences around the world will not be able to join us in celebrating all dogs in 2009 and to see the remarkable diversity of dogs and activities on show at Crufts; ranging from the show classes to agility displays, the Friends for Life competition and the unsung heroes who take part in breed rescue.
"However, we have been forced to reject the insupportable conditions imposed by the BBC, who have told us they will only televise the show in 2009 if certain breeds are excluded from participating.We are unable to agree to these demands, as it would compromise both contractual obligations and our general responsibility to dog exhibitors and our audience and we believe it would be inappropriate and counterproductive to exclude any recognised breed from Crufts.
"We are obviously disappointed and confused with this outcome as we hoped the broadcast would have supported our focus on health and welfare issues, given advice about caring for and training dogs and showcased the charitable work that we support. This TV exposure would have benefited all dogs and given viewers a well-rounded picture of what the new Crufts in 2009 is all about."
In October 2008 the Kennel Club announced a strategy to show how it is focusing its activities on the health and welfare of all dogs. It announced mandatory compliance with a strict code of ethics for all breed clubs registered with the Kennel Club.
Earlier this month, it completed a review for each of the 209 pedigree dog breeds in the UK and announced revised standards that it says will have far-reaching benefits for the health and welfare of dogs. These new breed standards and health plans will benefit from research that has been funded by the Kennel Club in conjunction with veterinary research centres over a number of years. The overall aim is that all pedigree dogs should be fit for function and that breeders and judges should not reward dogs with obvious conditions or exaggerations, which would be detrimental in any way to their health.
The research project, which is being carried out by RVC student Collette Taylor for her PhD, is looking at the development of novel diagnostic targets to establish the specific leptospira implicated in canine clinical cases.
Collette said: "Existing leptospirosis diagnostics have a number of limitations. MAT serological testing may provide information that can be supportive of a serogroup diagnosis but may also provide false positives due to previous vaccination or indeed be confounded by cross-reactivity. It can also be difficult to interpret serology in the absence of paired samples.
"PCR tests are sensitive, usually specific, but are dependent on timing of sampling and do not tell you which serovar is concerned.
"My research is focused on offering more specialised diagnostic tests which can differentiate antibodies associated with infection from those due to vaccination. Extending this theme, our group is interested in further typing of samples where the Leptospiral DNA is identified using Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). I am now at the stage of validation and we are able to offer additional testing of serum or blood test samples from confirmed clinical cases."
If you'd like to send in a sample for further tests, you will need to complete a questionnaire, and samples must be from confirmed cases of leptospirosis that have already undergone leptospirosis diagnostics from another laboratory.
John Helps, Senior Technical Manager, Companion Animals, MSD Animal Health said: "As a 3rd year PhD student Collette has two main areas of study. The first is looking at the risk factors of leptospirosis including ecological niche modelling for specific serogroups in different regions across the country. The second part is the development of new specialised diagnostic tests that can provide better targeted serological approaches to diagnosis of this disease."
This year the congress is being organised in collaboration with the British Veterinary Dermatology Study Group and will form the Group’s autumn meeting.
The main scientific topics are skin and ear surgery, skin biology, host-microbial interaction, dermatophytosis, exotics dermatology and clinical pharmacology. There will be a three-tiered programme:
Basic level: providing updates on the topics covered
Intermediate level: advanced information for those with a good grounding in veterinary dermatology
Advanced level: more specialist subjects, including human dermatology
For the first time, there will also be a dedicated nurses programme, taking place on Saturday 28th September.
Laura Buckley CertVD DipECVD MRCVS, Local Organising Committee (pictured right), said: "Congress is always a major event in the veterinary dermatology calendar, featuring some of the world’s leading specialists, and this year showcases some of Liverpool’s spectacular historic sites.
"As always there will be commercial and poster exhibitions featuring state-of-the-art veterinary products and leading research in veterinary dermatology respectively."
This year’s social programme includes the Welcome Reception on Thursday 26th and the Dinner Dance on Friday 27th September. The Welcome Reception will be held at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott. It is the largest Cathedral in the UK and the fifth largest in the world.
The Dinner Dance will take place at Revolución de Cuba overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Albert Dock.
For further information and to register please visit the congress website: www.esvd-ecvdcongress.com
The hearing took place in Mr Prichard's absence after he failed to respond to Colleges attempts to contact him, including by email, post, telephone and personal service of documents.
However, in its decision to proceed in Mr Prichard’s absence, the Committee confirmed that it would not hold his non-attendance against him or attach any adverse inference to that fact.
Mr Prichard was charged with taking quantities of the controlled, prescription-only drug Vetergesic from the practice’s stock other than for legitimate veterinary use.
He was further charged that he took Vetergesic from the practice by drawing it into a syringe for the purposes of self administration, and that in doing so, his conduct was dishonest.
In another set of charges, it was alleged that on five separate occasions, Mr Prichard had attended the practice to work as a veterinary surgeon whilst unfit to do so.
The final charge related to Mr Prichard’s failure to respond adequately or at all to all reasonable requests from the RCVS for his response to concerns raised about his conduct.
At the beginning of the hearing Nicole Curtis, acting on behalf of the College, read the written evidence from 11 separate witnesses outlining the facts related to the charges against Mr Prichard, including the record of an investigative meeting held by the practice in which he admitted his theft and use of the controlled drug and following which, he was dismissed from his employment.
The Committee found all the charges proven and then considered whether they amounted to serious professional misconduct.
In terms of aggravating factors the Committee found that there was a risk of injury, recklessness, premeditated and sustained misconduct, and that there was an abuse of his professional position in accessing prescription-only controlled drugs for reasons other than legitimate veterinary use.
In mitigation, the Committee considered that he had made admissions as part of the practice’s internal disciplinary investigation.
Overall, the Committee found he had breached aspects of the Code of Professional Conduct related to honesty and integrity, making animal health and welfare his first priority, appropriate use of veterinary medicines, taking steps to address physical and mental health conditions that could affect fitness to practise, responding to reasonable requests from the RCVS, and bringing the profession into disrepute.
Therefore, the Committee found him guilty of serious professional misconduct in relation to all of the charges charges.
The Committee felt that, considering the seriousness of the misconduct, removal from the Register was the most appropriate decision.
Austin Kirwan, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “This is a case involving serious dishonesty, sustained over a period of time, and conduct potentially detrimental to animal welfare, as well as wilful disregard of professional regulations.
“Regrettably, Mr Prichard’s failure to engage with the College and with the regulatory process limited the options open to the Committee.
"Notwithstanding this, Mr Prichard’s disgraceful conduct is so serious that removal from the Register is the only means of protecting animals and the wider public interest which includes the maintenance of public confidence in the profession and the upholding of standards.”
www.rcvs.org.uk/disciplinary
The company points to an increasing trend across Europe towards feeding raw diets to pets, with 4% of UK cats and 10% of UK dogs now being fed raw meat and animal by-products.
The webinar, which will also look at the role of testing, offers an opportunity to learn more about the pathogens and parasites associated with raw feeding and the role of the right test at the right time.
Horiba says it's not just pets that need testing, but the raw materials used in their food.
Ian, who is Head of ESCCAP (the European Scientific Council for Companion Animal Parasites) UK & Ireland, said: “The recent trend of increasing raw feeding opens up new opportunities for pathogen transmission.
"Where raw feeding is taking place, adequate tapeworm and protozoal parasite prevention is essential to reduce zoonotic risk and economic losses.
“Testing forms an essential part of their control, and understanding this role and the diagnostic test options available will prove valuable to all veterinary professionals.”
Following Ian's presentation, there will be an open Q&A session.
Horiba’s team of veterinary specialists will also be available at the end of the webinar to discuss and advise on any testing needs, including its veterinary PCR system, the Pockit Central.
To register, visit: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4306408134214190348
As part of the new arrangement, Battersea will give StreetVet operational and logistical support, including advice from its staff, clinical support, and kennel space for animals in urgent need of care.
Battersea also plans to work with StreetVet on a range of projects that will help the charity to reach more dogs in need. For example, providing advice and training to hostel staff to promote and facilitate hostels accepting dogs – creating more safe places to sleep for both dogs and their owners.
Battersea’s Deputy Chief Executive, Peter Laurie, said: "I’m excited at the prospect of Battersea and StreetVet coming together for a partnership that aligns both organisations’ strategic values. Both of us care deeply about the welfare of dogs, particularly those most in need. StreetVet relies almost entirely on the support of a growing network of volunteers, including members of the Battersea clinic team, and is a great example of a volunteer-led organisation delivering significant impact on a wide geographical scale. By working together, we can increase our collective impact and help more animals in need."
Sam Joseph MRCVS, a co-founder of StreetVet, said: "We are really excited about the official partnership between StreetVet and Battersea. As a small, growing charity, StreetVet will hugely benefit from the expertise, infrastructure and resources of one of the country's most loved and respected animal charities."
He added: "This partnership will help StreetVet continue to provide free, accessible veterinary care to those most in need, while further increasing the impact that Battersea has on the welfare of dogs and cats across the UK."
Photo: L-R Peter Laurie (Battersea), Jade Statt and Sam Joseph (StreetVet), Shaun Opperman (Battersea) and Blue the Staffie
The poster gives information about common dangers such as:
As well as focusing on common dangers, the poster also reinforces the importance of S.P.E.E.D when dealing with poisoned pets:
Will Peel, Product Manager at TVM UK said: "While most pet owners are mindful of the danger that certain foods and plants can pose, when you’re enjoying the spring sunshine and the long Easter weekend, it can be easy to overlook potential pet hazards. It’s vital to reinforce the dangers that can come with the warmer weather to help protect pets from poisoning which can cause serious illness or worse.’
To get your waterproof poster, contact your local TVM territory manager or email help@tvm-uk.com
In addition, BEVA is also giving free access to one of its most popular online CPD courses, ‘How to heal wounds’, for the duration of May to all nurse members.
The course covers the main concepts of wound physiology and introduces new treatment ideas designed to optimise wound healing.
The course includes 12 on-demand lectures, presented by Dr Dylan A Gorvy, Ms Georgie Hollis, Prof Derek Knottenbelt and Dr Patrick J Pollock.
David Mountford, Chief Executive of BEVA, said: "We are delighted to be able to do something practical and supportive to celebrate the vital role RVNs play in every equine practice.
“We know how much our members value our online learning and hope that RVNs everywhere can enjoy a month of first class free membership benefits as well as access to our one of most highly subscribed courses.”
To become a BEVA member and to subscribe for your free membership during May, visit: https://www.beva.org.uk/Nurses