Equipalazone is most commonly used to treat lameness in equines and can be prescribed as a treatment for osteoarthritic conditions, acute and chronic laminitis, bursitis and carpitis as well as to reduce post-surgical soft tissue reaction.
The new apple-flavoured version, which contains no added sugar, is presented in 1.5g sachets which are added to feed. The existing unflavoured product is still available as Equipalazone Original.
Dechra Brand Manager Emma Jennings said: “The new apple flavoured Equipalazone is the same tried and trusted popular product that vets have been using for many years but the enhanced apple flavour should improve compliance amongst even the fussiest of feeders.
"Equipalazone has been a best-selling treatment delivering powerful pain relief since we brought it to the market as the first microencapsulated phenylbutazone more than 45 years ago. The new apple flavoured presentation will give vets even more choice when it comes to providing pain relief and anti-inflammatory treatment for equine conditions."
For more information visit www.dechra.co.uk.
Presented by Sam Taylor BVetMed(Hons) CertSAM DipECVIM-CA MANZCVS FRCVS, the webinar will also be available to watch on demand later, for those who miss it.
Sam is an Internal Medicine and Feline Specialist and current ISFM Academy lead.
She recently chaired and co-authored the ISFM guidelines on the management of the inappetent hospitalised cat.
The webinar, which counts for one hour’s CPD, will cover:
Sarah Musgrave, Brand Manager at Dechra, said: “Inappetence is a common reason cats present to veterinary practices and it can be caused by multiple conditions.
"Management needs to look beyond just treating the underlying disease as factors such as stress, nausea and pain can play a significant role.
"Untreated inappetence has a substantial negative effect on recovery from illness and surgery, makes medicating cats difficult and may even hasten euthanasia decisions.
"The ‘Feline pawsative about feline inappetence?’ webinar will help educate on feline weight loss, why intervention to improve nutrition is important and the practical steps to treating inappetence.”
https://thewebinarvet.com/webinars/feline-pawsative-about-feline-inappetence.
The NHS doctor, television presenter, author and columnist will be sharing his insights on the mental health challenges of working within a caring profession under the constraints of the pandemic.
Dr Ranj is the second keynote speaker to be confirmed, the first being Jenny Campbell and the third to be revealed next month. They will be joining a line-up of more than 100 UK and International contributors during the three days of the event.
Dr Ranj is familiar with the intense pressure that many veterinary professionals are facing when juggling working in a sometimes emotionally stressful environment with that of home life. When the pandemic started Dr Ranj took a step back from media work to focus on supporting the NHS in his role as a paediatric emergency medicine specialist. He said: "Maintaining wellbeing is all about doing the basics right.
“We are in a pandemic and people are under intense pressure - from work, from home life, from a health perspective and so much more. So, despite everything going on around you, make sure you have a routine every day.
"Get out and about safely. Build some physical activity into your schedule. Nourish your body with everything it needs, and make sure you allow yourself some treats too! Take a moment for yourself every day to do something that makes you feel good.
"Take time to connect with others safely and check in on the vulnerable too. Celebrate the little victories and achievements that you have. And at the end of the day, make sure you look after your sleep because that's when your brain and body recover from the stresses of everyday. Everything else we do is a bonus on top of those basics. And if you are struggling, make sure you reach out for help and speak to someone."
BSAVA President Ian Ramsey said: "We are delighted to welcome Dr Ranj as one of our three keynote speakers this year. One of the many advantages of Congress evolving into a virtual event for 2021 is that we can be more flexible and creative with our sessions and how we fulfil the needs and expectations of every member of the practice, from clinical, interactive, wellbeing and social perspectives. Our three keynote presentations are eagerly anticipated.”
Prices for BSAVA Virtual Congress start at £99 +VAT for members. To register visit https://www.bsavaevents.com/bsavacongress2021/en/page/home
The Elsevier publication is edited by Dottie Laflamme, DVM PhD ACVIM (Nutrition) with an expert team of authors providing practical information on a variety of nutrition topics appropriate for daily practice. https://bit.ly/PurinaEBook2
The Elsevier publication is designed to help veterinary staff expand their knowledge and skills in nutrition topics, from discussing nutrition with clients, to the nutritional management of common health conditions, so that they can be confident in their own nutrition knowledge and ability to communicate about nutritional issues.
The current edition, edited by Dottie Laflamme, DVM PhD ACVIM (Nutrition), is available in English and in Spanish.
Daniel Rodes DVM, PhD, and regional leader for the Purina Institute, said: “The veterinary team is a valued source of nutrition information for pet owners, but vets do not always initiate discussions about nutrition with clients for various reasons, including the concern that owners may be unwilling to change their views on their choice of a pet’s diet1.
"In fact, one recent study reported that most veterinary clients (93%) 'were at least somewhat willing to change their pet’s diet on the basis of a veterinarian’s recommendation if it was phrased as benefiting their pets’ health'2, and in another, the veterinary healthcare team was reported to be the primary (43.6%) and most important source of nutrition information for pet owners3".
Although most articles cover nutrition for dogs and cats, there is also a review on nutrition for ferrets, rabbits and rodents, and another on effective communication, suggesting ways veterinary teams can empower clients to take positive action to support the health of their pets.
https://bit.ly/PurinaEBook2
References
The sessions will allow members of the profession to find out about upcoming College projects and put questions to the RCVS Officer Team, RCVS Council members and senior staff, in a friendly, informal atmosphere.
The first event is taking place at the Hilton Glasgow on William Street at 6:30pm, where there'll be supper and drinks before the main event at 7:30pm, when RCVS President Melissa Donald, RCVS Treasurer Niall Connell, RCVS Senior Vice-President Kate Richards, Junior Vice-President Sue Paterson, VN Council Chair Matthew Rendle, RCVS Registrar Eleanor Ferguson and RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett will update everyone on College activities and take questions.
The College says that the topics for discussion will be up to the audience but are likely to include workforce issues, the review of RCVS guidance on under care, proposals for legislative reform, VetGDP and the future of extra-mural studies.
Melissa said: “In my opening speech as RCVS President I said that one of the key missions of my presidential year was to talk – and especially listen – to as many members of the professions as I possibly can.
“Relaunching our question time programme after a hiatus will give me the opportunity to do exactly this, as well as giving members of the professions that all-important opportunity to put their questions and concerns directly to us.
"We might not be able to address every problem, but these events give an excellent opportunity for vets and nurses to raise issues, forge connections with their peers and work together to find solutions.
“I hope that many of you will be able to come to our first in-person event in Glasgow but we will also be holding these question times virtually in the future for those people who may struggle to make it to these evening events.
"Rest assured – if you want to be heard, we will find a way to listen.”
The next in-person event is due to take place in Nottingham in January 2023 while the first virtual question time will take place in November 2022.
To register for the Glasgow event visit: tinyurl.com/22pem3d6
Policyholders will get unlimited access to Joii Pet Care’s video consultations with UK veterinary surgeons, which usually cost £24 per call.
Pet owners with Asda Money pet insurance will also be able to access Joii Pet Care’s symptom checker, which is designed to help pet owners pinpoint issues from their home.
Paul Hallett, co-founder of Vet-AI, said: “We’re delighted to announce this major partnership, which completely opens up access to professional vet care for thousands of pet parents who will benefit hugely from accessing regular, preventative veterinary care from the comfort of their homes.
“Many pet owners are now facing high vet bills and difficulties accessing in-practice veterinary care.
"Both Markerstudy Broking and Asda Money share our commitment to put animal welfare first, and collectively we’ll ensure more owners have easily accessible choice to receive the very best care for their pets.”
Laura Hughes, Veterinary Nurse Development Manager for Purina UK and Ireland (pictured right) said: “All of our CPD talks on the stand are certificated and each 20-minute session builds to produce a comprehensive suite of content on making nutritional recommendations.
"It’s the ideal complementary top up to all the wonderful CPD available at congress.”
“Sometimes nutritional conversations can be difficult, especially around weight management, but behavioural science has given us so many new ways in which to approach those to bring the pet owner on board in a positive way so they can be part of the solution.
"We’ll be sharing more about those evidence-based approaches.
"To support nurse clinics further, we’ll be demonstrating our tool kits in the area of gastrointestinal care and weight management, so nurses can see what is available to them.”
There will also be cupcakes and refreshments at the stand, as well as a competition where every day one veterinary nurse can win a spa day for two.
IVC's existing Pet Health Club includes vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, microchipping, health checks and a variety of discounts.
IVC says the new tier, Pet Health Club Plus, has been introduced to encourage owners to bring their pet in early, meaning problems can be diagnosed more quickly and therefore improve the welfare outcome of the pet.
It is also designed to support owners by spreading the cost of their pet’s healthcare.
25,000 pet owners have already joined Pet Health Club Plus, which costs £27.99 for cats and £29.99 for dogs, and it is now being pushed with a national TV advertising campaign which will run till the end of the year.
The event will focus on companion animals and deliver 7.5 hours of CPD.
150 tickets have been pre-sold and a further 100 tickets will be made available to pre-registered delegates first.
Vetpol director Caroline Johnson said: “SQPs have few opportunities to connect with and learn from their peers from other businesses in their day to day work.
"Our 2024 Congress will allow delegates to network, fully immersing all attendees in an enjoyable, practical learning experience.
"While the event is companion animal focused, we expect to attract SQPs from vet practices, retail environments, saddlers, and agrimerchants, bringing together a diverse audience with different experiences and perspectives.
"This means there is a huge potential to share tips and ideas, as well as to really experience the energy and passion that SQPs bring to their roles.”
Congress also includes an optional party night which promises to offer a great opportunity to create lasting friendships and develop an extended network of support.
To pre-register or find out more about the congress programme, contact: molly@vetpol.co.uk.
The Veterinary Workforce Summit was held last November, when 80 stakeholders from independent and corporate practices, veterinary schools, charities, government, the food hygiene sector, species associations and industry bodies came together to look at how the profession could address the workforce crisis.
Prior to the Summit, preliminary research was carried out to assess the profession's views on the workforce crisis and how it was affecting them.
Based on findings from the preliminary research, six themes around the issue of workforce shortages were identified and used to structure the discussions of the day.
These were: readiness for work; work-life balance; workplace culture; client interactions; career development; and return to work.
The day was opened by Lizzie Lockett, RCVS Chief Executive, who focused on the issues underpinning the workforce crisis:
Later in the day, delegates were divided into groups and asked to develop ideas and pitch a solution to a problem the sector is facing.
Some of the solutions that the professions might use to address the key workforce issues which came out of the pitches included:
Kate Richards, RCVS President, said: “Although the issues affecting the UK veterinary sector aren’t new, they have been exacerbated over the past few years by factors outside of the sector’s control.
"We know that putting in place solutions to address and solve the issues that the veterinary sector is facing will take time.
"We want to reiterate that the Summit was the first, albeit an incredibly important, first step in co-creating innovative solutions to workforce shortages.
"I look forward to working collaboratively with our veterinary colleagues from across the professions to bring the workforce action plan to life and work on the solutions that come out of it.”
The RCVS says the next steps from the Summit are to consider the feasibility of the suggested solutions and integrate those that seem likely to deliver effective results into an action plan, alongside other activities that are already underway.
The College says it is open to hearing additional ideas for the professions and encourages anyone who has suggestions to get in touch with Sophie Rogers, ViVet Manager, on s.rogers@rcvs.org.uk
The full Workforce Summit report can be found at www.rcvs.org.uk/publications
Kate said: "In recent days we have watched the unfolding events in Ukraine in horror, shock and with tremendous sadness.
"We are determined to offer as much help and support as we can to our Ukrainian veterinary colleagues fleeing this crisis and seeking refuge in the UK.
To that end, the College offers a financial support scheme for refugees which is immediately available for Ukrainian veterinary surgeons with refugee status.
The scheme enables refugee vets to take the RCVS Statutory Examination for free, offers financial support to attend exams, free access to the RCVS library and free membership of BSAVA, BVA, BEVA, BCVA and VMG.
In addition, whilst Russian-based business interests comprise less than 0.1% of the College's investment portfolio, it has instructed its fund managers to get rid of all Russian investments at the very earliest opportunity.
Meanwhile, veterinary dentist Bob Partridge has donated a day's takings from his Harrogate-based, Specialist-led small animal dental referral practice, VetDentist, to the British Red Cross Ukraine.
He said: "I got home late and exhausted, turned on the news, and knew that my “tough day” was as nothing compared to the troubles, the fear and the pain experienced by the people of Ukraine."
Other members of Bob's team followed suit, as did the team at Training-Progress, and they hope others will do the same.
Bob said: "Please put your money where your mouth (or keyboard) is!"
https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
Photo: CC BY-SA 2.0 Aleksej Leonov
Bonqat 50 mg/ml oral solution for cats contains pregabalin, an analgesic, anti-epileptic which has now been licensed for the alleviation of acute anxiety and fear associated with transportation and veterinary visits in cats.
Tessie 0.3 mg/ml oral solution for dogs contains tasipimidine and is licensed for the short-term alleviation of situational anxiety and fear in dogs triggered by noise or owner departure.
Dômes Pharma points to research which shows that in the UK 1.4 million1 dogs show signs of distress when left alone, and 4.4 million dogs1 show fear of loud noises.
In addition, over 4 million cats2 are not having routine vet checkups each year, with 26%2 of these owners reporting that it is too stressful for their cat or themselves.
Jonathan Hill, UK country manager at Dômes Pharma sid: "Dômes Pharma is excited to be launching two new innovative products to help vets manage cases in this complex area.
"These products expand our portfolio and provide essential options for owners and their pets struggling with these situational related problems."
https://www.tvm-uk.com/the-behavioural-range
Reference
The guidance was drawn up in response to a survey carried out by the association last year which found that a lack of understanding of Schedule 3 procedures, together with a reluctance to delegate appropriate Schedule 3 procedures to equine nurses as significant contributing factors to retaining them within the profession.
The new guidelines have been accepted by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and are supported by the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA).
Marie Rippingale Chair of the BEVA Equine Nurses Committee, said: “We hope BEVA’s Schedule 3 guidelines will help with the delegation of Schedule 3 procedures to eRVNs, enabling them to have more fulfilling clinical careers, which will contribute positively to retention.
“We also hope the guidelines will help reduce the workload of equine veterinary surgeons, improving their wellbeing and positively affecting retention.
"Overall, we hope the use of the guidelines will lead to improved welfare for equine patients.”
https://www.beva.org.uk/Career-Support/Nurses/Schedule-Three
The CVPM is the industry-recognised professional examination for veterinary managers. Covering six main areas – strategy, finance, marketing, personnel, communications and general management - it is available to VMG members who want to consolidate their knowledge and experience with a recognised qualification. Candidates must be employed in the veterinary sector in a management role.
The regional workshops are free to attend but registration in advance is required.
Saturday 7 March 2020, 10.30 am – 1.00 pmWorkshop 1: Coverdale House, Aviator Court, York YO30 4GZ. Workshop 2: Clue House, Petherton Road, Bristol, BS14 9BZ.
Saturday 21 March Workshop 2020Workshop 1: Goddard Veterinary Group Wanstead Veterinary Hospital, 84 New Wanstead, Wanstead, London E11 2SY.Workshop 2, Manchester: This workshop takes place at the Vets Now Hospital, 98 Bury Old Rd, Whitefield, Manchester M45 6TQ.
Those attending VMG-SPVS Congress 2020 at Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, are also strongly advised to attend the Management Mastery Stream, on Friday 24 January 2020.
VMG Director Ms Georgina Hills (pictured right) said: "Those involved in practice management require expertise in all the key aspects of running a successful business, as well as a deep understanding of the veterinary sector. The CVPM is a testing qualification and is increasingly recognised as a benchmark for excellence. Our regional workshops are ideal preparation for those preparing to submit their applications in August and to undertake the examination in November 2020 so we look forward to meeting potential candidates around the country during 2020."
Miss Emma Hollingworth from the Park Vet Group in Cardiff, who achieved the qualification in 2018, said: "Coming from a nursing background where much of my knowledge was gained through experience, the CVPM required me to research and develop skills which are not taught to all veterinary nurses and I feel it has given me a strong platform from which to develop my career. The VMG provides excellent preparation days and I highly recommend attending one to those sitting the exam."
The CVPM examination consists of a written 3,000-word report and the examination itself which consists of a ten-minute presentation on a subject supplied by the examining board; a 15-minute discussion of the submitted report and two further 30-minute oral exams on related topics.
Further information is available at https://vetmg.com/cvpm-vpac/
Organised by The Veterinary Edge in association with Simon Guiton of VETcpd, there will be three streams running throughout, with delegates able to gain 14 hours of CPD – or 16 if prepared to skip the tempting two-course lunches.
Speakers include:
Sessions run from 10am to 6pm on the first day (followed by a happy hour in the exhibition) and from 9am to 5.15pm on day two.
A two-day pass for vet nurses costs £195 and a one-day pass £110 plus VAT.
The prices will increase after 31st August.
Passes include access to all three streams, a two-course lunch, other refreshments and the congress handbook, which will include summaries of the sessions.
Accommodation is available at the recently opened Courtyard by Marriott Hotel at Sandy Park; other hotels nearby include a Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
www.theveterinaryedge.com.
The placebo-controlled study is designed to investigate whether or not a dog pheromone collar may help to reduce the severity or development of potentially problematic behaviours in puppies.
Participating owners will be sent collars (which may or may not contain pheromones) to put on their puppy for 6 months, during which time they will need to complete a monthly questionnaire.
As a thank you, all owners will receive a bag of doggy goodies and will be entered into a draw for a new iPad. There is more information for pet owners here: https://www.adaptil.com/uk/Puppy/node_49121
If you'd like to help recruit participants, you'll need to register your practice to take part here. Ceva has produced information packs and posters which will be sent out after registration.
Photo: Shutterstock
Mr Seymour-Hamilton was originally removed from the Register in June 1994 for failing to maintain his practice’s equipment and facilities in working order and for a total disregard of basic hygiene and care for animals, thereby bringing the profession into disrepute.
The restoration hearing on 20th May was Mr Seymour-Hamilton’s seventh application for restoration. Previous applications had been heard but refused in July 1995, June 2010, February 2015, March 2016, May 2017 and April 2018. However, as the Committee makes its decision on the merits of the case before it, those previous applications were not considered as relevant to its current decision.
The Committee heard oral evidence from Mr Seymour-Hamilton and were shown clear bottles with liquid, a container with tablets and petri dishes with grown cultures as detailed documentary evidence. In respect of any concerns regarding keeping his veterinary practice up-to-date, Mr Seymour-Hamilton said that “you never lose that skill” and explained that he kept up-to-date through extensive reading and conversations with veterinary surgeons in Europe.
However, the Committee had significant concerns as to his fitness to practise safely as a veterinary surgeon for a number of reasons, including that nearly 25 years had passed since he was last in practice and that there was little, if any, evidence of him keeping up-to-date with the knowledge and skills required to practise as a veterinary surgeon.
Ian Green, chairing the Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: "The applicant worryingly did not accept that he was in any way deskilled by the passage of time. The evidence that the applicant has provided showed limited interaction with other veterinary surgeons and there is no documented evidence of the discussions or structure of the meetings he had with veterinary surgeons in Europe.
"There is no evidence of a prolonged and intense period of re-training by way of relevant study to demonstrate that a sufficient level of competence to return to practise has been achieved. In the absence of such evidence the Committee was of the view that there would be a serious risk to the welfare of animals if the applicant was restored to the Register.
"Further, it was a grave concern to this Committee that the applicant demonstrated worrying attitudinal issues towards individuals of a different religion and his attitude to employing a minor when he knew it to be against the law. Such attitudes are incompatible with professional standards the public would expect of a veterinary surgeon."
Finally, with no evidence of public support for the applicant, the Committee concluded that the application for restoration should be refused.
At the hearing, the Disciplinary Committee considered whether she had accepted the findings of the Committee at the original inquiry hearing, the seriousness of those findings, whether she had demonstrated insight into her past conduct, and the protection of the public and the public interest.
In her restoration application, Dr Burrows included continuing professional development (CPD) certificates for the courses she had completed since her removal from the Register, letters/informal witness statements from the veterinary surgeons and nurses she had worked who had expressed a willingness to employ her again, together with character references and reflection statements.
She also made a detailed opening statement in support of her application, in which she said that the period since her name was removed from the Register was extremely difficult and also that she now unconditionally accepted all the Committee’s original findings in May 2021, some of which she had previously denied and had failed to acknowledge.
Dr Burrows went on to state that she only had herself to blame for her actions and that she now understood and accepted that the original sanction of removal from the register had needed to be severe given the serious breach of trust to the public, to the veterinary profession and the insurance industry that was a direct consequence of her dishonest actions.
Since removal from the Register, Dr Burrows had taken on the role of receptionist in a Vets4Pets practice in Cardiff, which required her to deal directly with the public and their insurance requests and entitlements.
She stated that as a result of her involvement over the past 18 months in processing insurance claims, she acknowledges the “delicate” relationship between veterinary surgeons, clients and insurers.
Additionally, working as a receptionist, had allowed her to recognise the need for contemporaneous and clear clinical notes.
She also highlighted her CPD, which was relevant to insurance, as well as the fact she’d undertaken a professional ethics course to assist her rehabilitation, reflection, and insight.
In support of Dr Burrows’ restoration to the Register, the Committee took into account three witness accounts from people who work at the Vets4Pets branch where Dr Burrows works as a receptionist.
All witnesses gave positive reflections on Dr Burrows’ character and assured the Committee that they would provide the correct level of support to allow her to return to work safely and that they would have all the necessary safeguarding measures in place to ensure that the public’s and the profession’s interest is always at the forefront.
Judith Way, chairing the Disciplinary Committee and speaking on its behalf, said: “The Committee was impressed by the fact that busy professionals chose to give up their time to provide witness statements and give evidence in support of Dr Burrows’ application.
"All witnesses were clearly supportive of Dr Burrows’ request for restoration to the Register.
“The Committee found Dr Burrows to show remorse and she does now accept the findings of dishonesty that were made against her in the original enquiry hearing and stated that her conduct was dishonest.
"In the Committee’s view, the evidence given by Dr Burrows on affirmation was very believable and she now accepts her dishonesty together with the gravity of her dishonesty.
“The Committee also formed the view that the steps she has taken to address her dishonesty serve to confirm that she is passionate about the prospect that she be allowed to return to practise.
"The Committee was impressed by Dr Burrows and the evidence given and is now satisfied that she will ensure the highest standards of probity and honesty in the future.
“Having taken all evidence into account, the Committee is satisfied that the future welfare of animals under Dr Burrows’ responsibility will be properly protected, and that her future dealings with insurers will be honest in all respects and that the interests of the public will be met.”
https://www.rcvs.org.uk/concerns/disciplinary-hearings
One of the consequences of veterinary price inflation has been a backlash from owners against vets, vet nurses and receptionists, so the first film kicks off by explaining why large vet bills are not the fault of the vet standing in front of them when their dog gets ill.
Currently, a further eight films are now in production, each looking at a different reason why the costs of veterinary care have increased and suggesting ways that owners can mitigate the impact. They are:
VetNurse.co.uk Publishing Editor, Arlo Guthrie, who presents the films, said: "Above all, the aim here is to foster a better understanding between veterinary professionals and owners.
"I do hope the vets, nurses and support staff who have been bearing the brunt will feel my films are helpful.
"If you do feel they make useful points, then you need to share and 'like' the hell out of them on all the different social media platforms, in order that they reach the largest number of people.
"And if you have feedback about the content, or ideas for other topics we should cover, then come and post here:https://www.vetnurse.co.uk/f/nonclinical-discussions/32548/why-have-vet-bills-gone-up-so-much/178960#178960
The film is available for sharing here:
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@vetsurgeon.vetnurse/video/7426457335880617248
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/lg_EeamSbSI
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/reel/927062139289036
LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/vetnurse-co-uk_veterinarysurgeon-veterinarynurse-activity-7252421040318869505-ctAG/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DBOFKCLN0lo/
Currently, there is no data on how many VCA/ANAs are working in UK veterinary practice and the type of tasks they are performing.
The Census takes 10 minutes to complete and will provide valuable information to help in the recruitment, training and development of VCA/ANAs.
It can be completed online at https://bit.ly/avaca-2023-census before 18th August 2023.
Any team member can respond on behalf of their practice and all practices are encouraged to fill out the Census regardless of the number of VCA/ANAs employed.
The AVACA also wants to identify how many practices don’t employ VCA/ANAs and the barriers to them becoming team members, so every response will deliver useful information.
Kay Watson-Bray, CEO of the British Veterinary Receptionist Association and founder of AVACA, said: “With so much pressure on practices right now, the VCA role offers great potential to help manage workloads.
"But a picture is already emerging where the scope of the role varies widely between practices and even the name of the role is inconsistent.
"We believe that VCAs work mainly in the areas of caring, cleaning, communication, and coordination, but that’s not currently quantified, and while some see being a VCA as a route into veterinary nursing, again we don’t understand how many primarily aspire to progress into another role or how many want to become excellent VCAs.
"We’d like to clearly identify what VCAs want and need to help them develop as veterinary professionals.”
The Census is being sponsored by Purina Petcare, whose Scientific Affairs Manager, Libby Sheridan, said: “This is a project we are very keen to support.
"Practices need VCAs to help maintain high standards in animal care when everyone else is so busy.
"Coaxing a reluctant patient to eat again or ensuring the operating theatre is turned around quickly so it’s available for use after a long morning’s surgery, are time-consuming tasks that can be hard to squeeze into the working day.
"And as RVNs take on further practice responsibilities, it’s clear there is room for these highly-trained support roles within the team.”
30 nurses have already booked a place at the event which is being held so you can have a no-strings opportunity to find out what it's like to nurse at a large, diverse referral centre like Davies.
Lillian Twigg, Davies Head of Nursing Services said: “You’ll have a very informal opportunity to meet and chat with our team of nurses and clinicians, take a tour of our hospital and find out more about the different nursing roles available at Davies.
“We will be rounding off the day with a good lunch and a chance for some more relaxed conversation with the team.”
The timetable for the day is:
To book your place at the Open Day visit vetspecialists.co.uk/openday/
The web based app, which has been launched in association with the BSAVA, provides a library of medical summaries drawn from global guidelines and peer-reviewed journals.
Vet2Vet co-founder Dr Zoe Coker said “There is rarely time during the working day to read all the necessary journals, articles and up-to-date texts. VETbytes collates all the evidence on a specific medical condition and consolidates it into a short synopsis called a Keep it Simple Summary (KISS)."
BSAVA President Professor Ian Ramsey said: “BSAVA is excited and proud to be involved in the VETbytes project, which should provide significant benefits and support for our members. Every busy small animal clinician should try out VETbytes as it is a real paradigm shift in mobile resources for vets.”
The VETbytes app currently covers more than 100 topics developed in consultation with more than 25 veterinary experts. Further benefits include drug (and CRI) calculators, a quick reference section and links to hundreds of source abstracts. The content encourages reflective learning and can be used towards CPD hours.
VETBytes is available on subscription with reduced rates for BSAVA members and free access for veterinary students.
To start a free trial or subscribe to the VETbytes app, visit www.vetbytes.co.uk.
The course has been made available after its authors, Dr Katherine Wakelin and Sarah Corthorne from the University of Surrey, received a Mind Matters Grant to conduct research which found it improved the mental wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
Katherine and Sarah will also be hosting a webinar from 7pm – 8pm on Tuesday 3rd September to discuss the importance of self-compassion, provide an overview of their research, as well as information on the course itself.
Katherine said: “Our recent randomised control trial has shown the course to significantly improve resilience and self-compassion and reduce rumination and self-criticism amongst veterinarians.
"Therefore, Sarah and I are delighted to now be disseminating the CFT course freely to the veterinary profession, so that as many people as possible are able to benefit from the evidence-based resource.
“Even though our research was conducted on veterinary surgeons, we hope that the course will be useful to all those working in the veterinary team as the content can be applied in a number of contexts.
“Our webinar will explain more about our research, as well as some of the science behind the effectiveness of the course in a veterinary context.
"So, if you are interested in learning more about how CFT may be able to help you and your team, both in a personal and professional capacity, please do come along.”
In order to access the online compassion course, individuals are invited to complete a short questionnaire before and after watching one video (10-15 minutes long) each day for 14 days. The aim of the video intervention is to develop self-compassion skills and reduce self-criticism. This will also allow Katherine and Sarah to evaluate the ongoing impact that the videos are having on those working in the sector.
https://vetmindmatters.org/resources/free-online-compassion-course-for-veterinarian-mental-wellbeing/
The company says VeggieDent Zen provides the same dental benefits as VeggieDent FR3SH Dental Chews, but also includes L-theanine.
L-theanine is an amino acid which Virbac says is known to positively influence GABA levels in the brain to help reduce anxiety and increase mental focus. According to the company, one VeggieDent Zen chew daily can help to calm and reduce anxiety in dogs whilst also providing regular oral care.
VeggieDent Zen is free from GMO corn, wheat, gluten and meat, and contains no colourants or artificial ingredients. The new chews also hold the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal for tartar control.
Claire Lewis, Product Manager at Virbac said: "Dental chews are a great way for pet owners to provide passive dental care at home. With VeggieDent Zen we are pleased to be able to offer pet owners a convenient, multi-functional approach to supporting their pet’s health and well-being."
VeggieDent Zen comes in 4 chew sizes (Extra-Small, Small, Medium & Large) and is available from the veterinary wholesalers now.
For information on VeggieDent Zen, contact your Virbac Territory Manager.
The course, which is led by Mental Health First Aid England, comprises of two day-long sessions, the first of which will take place on Tuesday 9th January 2024 from 9am – 5pm and the second on Thursday 11th January.
The course costs £40 per person, and is open to all those working in the veterinary professions.
Advancement of the Professions and Mind Matters Director, Angharad Belcher, said: “This day long training session will help people to gain an understanding of what mental health is and how to challenge stigma, to gain the knowledge and confidence to advocate or mental health awareness, provide them with the ability to spot the signs of mental ill health and the skills to support positive wellbeing, as well as give people the confidence to support someone who is in distress or may be experiencing a mental health issue.
“While these sessions are open to all working in the veterinary professions, we are particularly encouraging vets working in rural areas or in ambulatory work to get involved.
"All veterinary work has its challenges, but we know from MMI funded research conducted by Scotland’s Rural College that rural and ambulatory veterinary work comes with its own set of challenges which is often compounded by working alone or having relatively limited contact with colleagues.
"Those working in rural areas often play integral roles within their local communities and it is therefore important to provide people with the skills to not only look after their own mental health, but with the opportunities to learn how to best support their friends and colleagues too.”
https://vetmindmatters.org/training