The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) has clarified the legal position regarding the disbudding of goats, following recent media reports concerning undercover filming on UK goat farms.
The carrying out of any activity which amounts to veterinary surgery is restricted to veterinary surgeons unless there is a suitable exemption that allows other people to do it. The removal of the horn-bud of goats (disbudding) is considered veterinary surgery under the provisions of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 (the Act).
Schedule 3 of the Act provides certain exemptions to the restriction on carrying out veterinary surgery, such as those allowing veterinary nurses and student veterinary nurses to undertake any medical treatment or any minor surgery (not involving entry into a body cavity) in certain circumstances. However, Schedule 3 specifically provides that these exemptions do not allow non-veterinary surgeons to undertake the disbudding of goats, except the trimming of the insensitive tip of an in-growing horn which, if left untreated, could cause pain or distress.
There are no other Exemption Orders covering the disbudding of goats and therefore this procedure may only be undertaken by veterinary surgeons.
The Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (England) Regulations 2007, the Mutilations (Permitted Procedures) (Wales) Regulations 2007 and the Prohibited Procedures on Protected Animals (Exemptions) (Scotland) Regulations 2007 all include disbudding of goats as a procedure which can be carried out for non-therapeutic reasons. However, this secondary legislation is subject to the restrictions in the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 and therefore disbudding of goats is restricted to veterinary surgeons.The Welfare of Animals (Permitted Procedures By Lay Persons) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2012 currently include disbudding of goats as a procedure which may be carried out by non-veterinary surgeons. However, the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966 applies to Northern Ireland and the Regulations are scheduled to be amended later in 2012. This will make it clear that only veterinary surgeons may disbud goats in the UK.
The secondary legislation in the UK does not explicitly require anaesthetic to be administered when disbudding goats. However, disbudding should be carried out by veterinary surgeons in accordance with good practice and in such a way as to minimise pain and suffering caused to the animal, which should include use of an anaesthetic.
In summary, only a veterinary surgeon may undertake the disbudding of goats and due to the nature of the procedure, veterinary surgeons disbudding goats should administer anaesthetic.
Pfizer Animal Health has launched Zylexis for horses, the first and only immunomodulator licensed in the UK to reduce the clinical signs of equine respiratory disease associated with over-crowding and stress.
Zylexis contains inactivated parapox ovis virus (iPPOV), a super-antigen which Pfizer says boosts a horse's immune system to reduce the effects of infectious respiratory disease1,2 - bridging the gap between potential and performance.
According to the company, Zylexis acts by stimulating the horse's non-specific immune system, inducing antiviral interferons and interleukins and stimulating innate immune cells. In this way it bridges the gap until the horse's adaptive immune system can develop a pathogen-specific response.3-5
Pfizer highlights research which has shown a 40.3% reduction in the clinical signs and duration of respiratory disease in young horses under conditions of crowding and stress and a significant reduction of purulent nasal discharge when using Zylexis.6,7 No local or systemic adverse events were observed in a 999 dose study.8
Wendy Talbot, National Veterinary Manager at Pfizer, said: "Zylexis has been licensed in the States and in Germany for a number of years. We believe Zylexis plays a pivotal role in helping to minimise the severity of respiratory disease outbreaks in these countries, therefore helping to maintain performance potential. It's a very welcome addition to the medicine box of UK vets."
The administration of Zylexis is recommended as a course of three single dose intramuscular injections on days 0, 2 and 9. The first dose should be administered shortly before the over-crowding or stressful situation.
References
Bayer Animal Health (makers of Advocate, Advantix, Advantage, Seresto, Profender, Drontal and Droncit) has launched 'It's a Jungle Out There', an educational initiative aimed at simplifying parasite control for veterinary practices and pet owners alike.
The impressive-looking initiative comes on the back of research carried out by the company which found:
Dan White, Group Product Manager for Bayer's Animal Health division said: "Our research concluded that many vet practices are missing an opportunity because of a lack of clarity regarding best practice for parasite control. With ongoing support and practical development tools, Bayer's 'It's a Jungle Out There' Programme is an educational initiative which will arm vet practices with the tools they need to make parasite control clearer and more accessible to owners, helping to ensure the UK is a nation of healthy parasite-free pets and happy owners."
Bayer says the first stage of the 'It's a Jungle Out There' initiative aims to help the veterinary community identify opportunities where they can help to improve pet owner compliance. Vet practices will then be supported in developing a parasite protocol which will then be launched to consumers via a heavyweight advertising and PR campaign.
The initiative comprises a new educational website: www.jungleforvets.co.uk, which includes practice development workbooks, market research and trends, extensive technical information on a wide variety of parasites and CPD assessments. Additional downloadable content includes a range of materials such as images, videos, downloads and web buttons.
From the end of August, practice support materials will be available including a waiting room display pack, parasite guide and dispenser, vet nurse reference guide, waiting room posters, lifestyle questionnaire, badges and static window stickers.
The pet owner focus will begin in September and will include an interactive website, advertising and an extensive print and broadcast PR campaign with celebrity ambassadors David Bellamy and TV vet Steve Leonard. This activity is aimed at driving owners towards their vet practice for advice on parasite risks.
Trinity Vet Centre has launched an Android version of its iPhone / iPad app: Veterinary Care of Exotic Pets.
Designed for veterinary surgeons, veterinary students and veterinary nurses, the app gives the viewer an interactive experience in the care of exotic animals and includes videos of blood sampling, images of sex determination and images of common conditions including avian radiographic interpretation.
The app also contains formularies for all the commonly encountered exotic species, lists of commonly seen conditions (and their treatment) and biological data all at the touch of the screen. In addition the latest update for the iPhone / iPad features new sections on birds of prey and poultry which will also be available on the android version.
The app's developer, zoological medicine certificate holder Mark Rowland said: "This app is here to help vets offer the same high level of service offered to dog and cat clients to exotic animals which are becoming even more common. Data such as gestation periods and drug doses for exotics can easily be accessed. The videos are there to show in more detail how to blood sample exotics from Guinea Pigs to Tortoises"
The app is available from your iPhone or Android App store, priced at £7.99
Vets Now has reached the final of the "Employer of the Year" at the forthcoming Private Business Awards.
Judged by a panel of key UK business leaders, the winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on 6th September 2012.
More than 600 businesses throughout the UK entered the awards. Richard Dixon, founder of Vets Now said: "We are delighted to have reached the final in the Employer of the Year category. We have an absolutely amazing bunch of vets, nurses and receptionists across the country and I am hugely proud of them. They work their socks off; frequently in really challenging circumstances and have significantly contributed to improving the quality of life for the profession and the quality of Out of Hours care available for pets.
"Caring for animals is at the heart of what we do and we treat over 100,000 pets every year through our network of 53 emergency clinics. The very nature of Out Of Hours emergency veterinary care is very challenging to the profession and the support we offer to veterinary practices is also extremely important to us. In the last year our services have enabled more than 2,000 vets up and down the country to have their nights and weekends off, while their clients receive a high quality Out of Hours service. Our referral services also ensure that pets needing care from recognised Specialists can receive this from a trusted team."
Norbrook Laboratories has produced a new pet owner advice booklet: The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment with the help of the Veterinary Poisons Information Service.
The booklet, which sits alongside a range of marketing materials to support Pestigon, the company's new spot on for cats and dogs, details the dangers of certain spot on products when used in the incorrect species, the risks of buying veterinary medicines online and the benefits of implementing a complete flea treatment program to treat the household and animal.
Michelle Jones, Norbrook's Small Animal Brand Manager said: "For pet owners, an infestation of fleas can be a nightmare. The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment has been produced to help pet owners, under the advice of their vet, understand the potential issues that could be faced with purchasing decisions when dealing with flea and tick infestations."
She added: "Pestigon was launched recently as a POM-V product and is sold exclusively through veterinary practices. The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment is available as part of a wider number of support materials available from Norbrook Laboratories including a useful waiting room display pack which will help support vets when prescribing the product and discussing flea treatments with their clients. "
The Guide to Safe Flea Treatment and other supporting materials are available through your Norbrook representative.
Merial has launched a limited trial pack version of Equioxx® (firocoxib), the company's COX-2 specific NSAID for horses, which contains 10 tubes of the oral paste.
According to the company, Equioxx is the only equine NSAID that is highly COX-2 selective, acting to reduce pain and inflammation whilst preserving the natural physiological effects of the COX-1 enzyme, at therapeutic levels.
The company also claims that field studies have confirmed that firocoxib is highly effective at controlling pain and improving function in horses with chronic osteoarthritis.
Jim Tipp BVSc MRCVS, partner at Shropshire based Fyrnwy Equine Clinics said: "As a COX-2 specific NSAID it is not only a good analgesic, but is also an excellent anti-inflammatory. In addition, the COX-1 sparing properties of Equioxx are beneficial where there is increased risk of ulceration."
Equioxx is also available as a low dose injectable solution. For more information contact Merial Customer Services on 0870 6000 123.
The Kennel Club has called for greater awareness about child safety around dogs following the release of figures showing that 16% of incidents involving dogs happen to under 10 year olds.
The Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) has revealed that under 10's accounted for the highest rate of admissions per age group for bites and strikes from dogs. The Kennel Club is urging people to communicate with their children about safety around dogs with help from the Kennel Club's Safe And Sound scheme.
The Safe And Sound scheme has been specially created by the Kennel Club to educate children about the correct behaviour around dogs. As well as teacher's notes and literature, the scheme includes an online game called the Safety Factor Challenge.
The Safety Factor Challenge takes children through a number of scenarios and asks what they would do in each - such as if a dog is in a child's way and eating its dinner, the game then asks the child what they should do. The Kennel Club says it is not unusual for children to think that moving the dog is a good idea; however the game shows the possible negative reaction a child could get if they chose this option and instead are advised to wait for the dog to finish.
Elaine Quickfall, a home tutor with Gateshead Behaviour Support Service said: "We take it for granted that our children should know how to behave, but if they have no prior knowledge why would they? Games like this are great as they provide a visual example of the consequences of choosing different actions."
HSCIC has revealed that of the 6,450 admissions to hospital for dog bite and strike injuries, 1,040 involved a child under the age of 10. The Kennel Club believes that with better communication with children about appropriate behaviour around dogs could dramatically reduce this figure and is calling on all parents to ensure that their children know how to behave around dogs.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "Dogs are a big part of our lives and it is likely that every child will come across a dog at some point this year, at home, at a friend's or just out on the street. During the summer holidays is a great time to sit down with your child and speak to them about dog safety, and using the tips and game available through the Kennel Club's Safe and Sound Scheme is a great way to clearly illustrate to your children the best way for them to behave around dogs."
The Safe And Sound Scheme is available online by visiting: http://www.safetyarounddogs.org.uk/.
Veterinary nurses attending this year's British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) Congress (5 - 7 October) are being given the opportunity to learn more about their personality, how they gel with their colleagues and how they can use these insights to create a happier working environment.
Pfizer Vet Support+ business consultant, Vanessa Wilson, is running a two hour interactive CPD workshop examining team effectiveness, based on the findings of the company's inaugural Employee Engagement Survey, which revealed that team effectiveness is key to an engaged, happy and rewarded team.
Vanessa said: "During the session, we will explore the Engagement Survey findings, the opportunities it poses for veterinary nurses, their role in an effective team, how they can effect change and, very importantly, how differing personalities can impact positively and negatively on those around them.
"The session will be a very practical one enabling delegates to gain a better understanding of their own personality preferences through a social style questionnaire. Armed with this self-knowledge, participants should be able to improve their interaction with colleagues and enhance the team effectiveness within the practice."
Each delegate will receive a copy of the full Employee Engagement report together with a CPD certificate. The workshop costs £22 for members and £27 for non-members or, for those who register book before 20 August, £17 and £22 respectively. To reserve your place go to www.bvnacongress.co.uk.
The Information Commissioner has supported the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons' decision not to publish the Overspend Review Group's report (aka the McKelvey Report) in full.
The verdict follows two challenges to the College's decision, one made by the British Veterinary Association and a second by a member of the College.
The College says its original decision not to publish the report in full was based on two sets of external legal advice that to do so would be unlawful under the provisions of the Data Protection Act. However, the College did publish the recommendations from the report (otherwise known as the McKelvey Report), which it says comprise more than half of the total.
The Overspend Review Group was tasked with considering all aspects that relate to the College's budgeting and expenditure processes and to propose lessons that should be learned. It was set up following overspends in two areas: the installation of a new data management system and building development work at the College's premises in London.
RCVS President Jacqui Molyneux said: "This verdict is welcome in that it supports our original decision. But I can appreciate that it may frustrate those members unhappy that they will not see the full report.
"When it was commissioned, it was intended that the report would be published in full; in the event, the document included information that would contravene the Data Protection Act if published. However, I would like to reassure members that the substance of the report was included in the published recommendations, and these have now, in the main, been acted upon."
Questions and answers about the Report, together with the recommendations, can be found here.
Petplan has opened nominations for its Petplan Insurance Advisor (PIA) of the Year award.
Available for staff at veterinary practices who are an Appointed Representative (AR) of Petplan, this award recognises PIA's who are dedicated to promoting the benefits of pet insurance in their practice.
Staff can nominate themselves or their colleagues via the website www.petplanvet.co.uk and are encouraged to provide examples of how the nominated PIA has improved practice performance.
The 2012 PIA of the Year will be crowned at the BVNA Congress on 6th October and the winner will receive an iPad. Submissions close on 20th September.
Simon Masding, Petplan Head of Sales and Partnerships said: "This award celebrates the fantastic job our PIAs do communicating the importance of pet insurance to their clients. We know first hand from the time we spend in practice, just how many fun, innovative ways they find to highlight how having insurance helps keep pets healthy."
The British Veterinary Association has welcomed a report published by The Advisory Council on the Welfare Issues of Dog Breeding, which sets out eight priority welfare problems.
Commenting on the report, BVA President Carl Padgett said: "We welcome the Dog Advisory Council's report which highlights key welfare issues of dog breeding and makes sound, practical recommendations for addressing them."
The eight priority problems addressed are:
Mr Padgett continued:"The Dog Advisory Council has covered these high priority concerns in some detail. I am pleased that the recommendations give strong support to screening programmes including the BVA/KC schemes for hip and elbow dysplasia and syringomyelia and that they suggest ocular examination under the BVA/KC/ISDS eye scheme should be regarded as routine for all dogs used for breeding.
"I am also delighted that the Council has recognised the value of using a reputable puppy contract, highlighting the puppy contract and puppy information pack (PIP) recently launched by the BVA Animal Welfare Foundation and RSPCA. The contract and PIP arm buyers with the knowledge to give themselves the best chance of getting a fit, healthy and happy, well socialised pet to join their household and they have been designed to help good breeders demonstrate the care and attention they have devoted to their puppies' breeding and upbringing.
"We must all continue to work together to address these welfare challenges and keep up the momentum to improve dog breeding."
The majority of posters, leaflets and other displays in veterinary practice waiting rooms are more effective at building ambience than increasing the turnover of the practice or selling a particular product or brand, according to a new survey carried out by veterinary marketing agency TMA.
The national survey of more than 100 veterinary practice managers found that:
TMA says it believes practices are missing out on a major marketing opportunity by not changing their displays more often, not being more selective about what is displayed, and not making the most of interactive or digital display technology.
Helen Cawthra, Managing Director of TMA believes that product manufacturers are also missing out on a major opportunity. Significantly less than half of all display and point-of-sale material in vets' waiting rooms is provided by suppliers. On average, 64% is sourced by the veterinary surgeons themselves.
Helen said: "Two thirds of respondents claim that they hardly get any materials from suppliers. The same number claim they would be more likely to put up more if they were provided with it.
"It is all very well building ambience and providing loyalty but in today's market, it is important that vets take hold of every opportunity to generate revenue in every way possible. Vets and the manufacturers are both missing out."
Companion Care Vets has announced that it will open its 100th surgery in Llantrisant, South Wales on 7th September 2012.
The surgery will reside within the Pets at Home store in Llantrisant and will be owned and managed by Joint Venture Partner Rhian Bullock who has returned home to Llantristant after working and studying for many years in the USA.
Jane Balmain, Managing Director, Companion Care Vets said: "2012 has been quite a year for the business, we were named as one of The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For, becoming the first veterinary group to be awarded this accolade. Our growth has been such that we have recently launched a dedicated recruitment website, we have employed our 1,000th team member and to be opening our 100th surgery is testament to the hard work and dedication of our fantastic team."
Companion Care now has 117 Joint Veterinary Partners, 96 of whom are veterinary surgeons, 13 veterinary nurses, 7 practice managers and a receptionist and a further 953 colleagues employed by the group. The company says it has doubled in size in the past three years and is on track to do so again by 2015.
Jane said: "At present the majority of our surgeries are part of the Pets at Home in-store model but there are already five very successful standalone surgeries and the standalone surgery network plan is being developed to cater for those vets and veterinary nurses whose preference is to have a more traditional standalone surgery."
Rhian said: "A local girl, I have just moved back to Llantrisant and am really excited to be running my own practice in an area that I love. I set myself very high clinical standards and always involve the client in treatment and their pet's wellbeing. There is nothing that satisfies me more than well animals and happy clients."
Rhian and her team are involving the local community in the opening and will have guests from local branches of the Dogs Trust and the Cats Protection League present on opening day raising funds and joining in the celebrations.
The RCVS has announced the members that will comprise its new Audit and Risk Committee, which was set up following recommendations in the RCVS Overspend Review Group's report (otherwise known as the McKelvey Report).
The Audit and Risk Committee will support RCVS Council in meeting its oversight responsibilities, including:
Its members are:
Non-Council membersElizabeth Butler (Chairman) is a practising Chartered Accountant who has held a wide variety of non-executive appointments, bringing both professional expertise and a depth of understanding of risk and governance. Among other roles, she has chaired the audit committees of the Royal College of Nursing and Hyde Housing Association, and currently chairs the audit committees of the Electoral Commission and the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, she is also chairman of Lewisham Healthcare NHS Trust.
David Hughes is a chartered accountant and a former senior partner who has extensive expertise in financial reporting, accounting, auditing, risk management and governance issues. He is currently a Non-Executive Director and Chairman of the Audit Committee for the Highways Agency and a member of the Department for Transport Audit Committee.
Judith Rutherford has five years' experience as a Non-Executive Director and as a member of the Audit Committee in a community Healthcare and Primary Care Trust within the regulated environment of the NHS. She is currently Director of an organisation that provides interim management and consultancy to the private and public sectors.
RCVS Council membersRichard Davis is a Privy Council-appointed member of RCVS Council. He farms 104 hectares in North Bedfordshire and has been a director of First Milk Ltd for seven years. He has also been a director of Westbury Dairies Ltd, where he was Chairman of the Audit Committee. Richard has served on the audit committee of Assured Food Standards (Red Tractor) for the last six years and served as the Chairman of Assured Dairy Farms for six years (the scheme sets, audits and monitors production, welfare and environmental standards for most UK processors, and over 12,000 dairy farms).
Lynne Hill MRCVS is Chief Executive of Langford Veterinary Services Ltd, University of Bristol, and was previously Head of the Clinical Services Department at the Royal Veterinary College. Prior to that, Lynne was European Marketing Manager for Hill's Pet Nutrition. She is an elected member of RCVS Council and was President in 2005-6.
The non-Council members of the Committee were appointed by a panel chaired by Sir David Barnes, Chairman of the Governance Review Group.
The new Committee, which is accountable to Council and will report at least annually, will meet for the first time in early autumn.
Jacqui Molyneux, RCVS President said: "I am pleased that the new Audit and Risk Committee is now in place. It should offer reassurance to both members and the public that the framework via which Council's activities are scrutinised is robust."
The organisers of Rabbit Awareness Week (15th-21st September) are calling on veterinary practices to show their support and sign up to its free health check scheme, to highlight the importance of preventative healthcare for rabbits.
This year's RAW campaign is focusing on vaccinations, to protect one of Britain's most popular small pets from two painful and potentially fatal diseases, myxomatosis and Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease (RHD).
Participating practices will receive free support packs to help them advertise and run their own health check events, as well as care advice materials to give out to clients who bring their rabbits in.
Rabbit Awareness Week 2012 is backed by Burgess Excel and various partners, including MSD Animal Health, RSPCA, PSDA, Blue Cross, Wood Green The Animals Charity and RWAF (Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund).
Justin Heaton, Head of Marketing at Burgess Pet Care, said: "This September, RAW aims to promote the importance of preventative healthcare, including regular vet health checks and vaccinations for rabbits, to protect them from disease. Rabbits are at risk from myxomatosis and RHD and this year's goal is to highlight how important vaccinations are against these diseases and encourage owners, particularly those not currently registered with a veterinary practice, to bring their rabbits in for free veterinary health checks and vaccinations.
"RAW partners believe that many rabbit owners are unaware that injections for rabbits are a necessity for them to live a long and healthy life. The average rabbit should live at least 8-12 years, but one in three pet owners (38 per cent) estimate a rabbit's maximum lifespan to be five years*. Along with meeting their dietary, behaviour, environment and companionship needs, Britain's rabbits' must be protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease to ensure they are healthy and happy. Vaccinations are an important part of responsible pet ownership and will help to ensure that rabbits live a long and healthy life."
If you are interested in supporting RAW 2012, by hosting rabbit healthcare clinics at your veterinary surgery, visit www.rabbitawarenessweek.co.uk to order your free support kit and register your event.
Vetoquinol has announced the launch of Chrysanphyton, the latest addition to its range of Equistro feeding stuffs for horses.
Vetoquinol says Chrysanphyton is recommended for horses where support of a normal blood flow to the hoof is important. It contains Chrysantellum americanum, blackcurrant and hazelnut extracts which, according to the company, provide a rich source of nutrient bioflavanoids and vitamins.
The recommended administration of Chrysanphyton is 10ml twice a day in horses (500kg) and 5ml twice a day in ponies with the 1000ml pack lasting 50 or 100 days respectively.
A product information sheet is available on the Equistro website www.equistro.co.uk
For further information contact your local Vétoquinol Territory Manager.
Vetoquinol has published a waiting room poster which highlights canine pain, to support Cimalgex.
Robert Simpson, Product Manager for Cimalgex said: "This poster aims to highlight that pain may not be obvious to pet owners and that signs which the owner may believe to be age related, for example stiffness, may actually be behavioural signs of pain. The most common sign of pain is a change in behaviour and so this is an area which we believe needs to be highlighted to the pet owner1.
"This new poster uses a strong image to catch the pet owner's attention which, when combined with its simple message, will prompt the pet owner to ask for further information from the veterinary practice regarding pain to ensure the overall wellbeing of their pet. This poster complements our client leaflet in helping the veterinary practice to assist the pet owner to spot signs of pain which may not be very obvious."
To find out more or to request a waiting room poster for your practice please contact your Vetoquinol Territory Manager or call 01280 825424.
Reference
1. Hellyer P. et al. AAHA/AAFP Pain Management guidelines for Dogs and Cats. J. AM Anim Hosp Assoc 2007; 43: 235-248.
Pfizer Animal Health's Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) vaccine (Duvaxyn EHV 1,4) has been rebranded Equip EHV 1,4).
Pfizer says that EHV is carried by most horses in the UK1 and can cause respiratory disease, abortion and more rarely neurological disease. However, it is the more common sub-clinical infections that pose the most apparent issue for the competition client, with the associated loss of performance and the potential effect on the health of the whole yard.
Once infected with EHV, a horse can harbour the virus throughout its life and potentially shed the disease to other animals without showing any outward signs. According to the company, vaccinating helps to minimise the severity of the disease itself and importantly, can also help to reduce the amount of infective virus that is shed to other in-contact horses.
Equip EHV 1,4 is given as a primary course of two vaccinations, 4-6 weeks apart followed by a single dose every six months. It can also be used as an aid in the control of EHV-1 abortion - pregnant mares should be vaccinated with a single dose during each of the 5th, 7th and 9th months of pregnancy.
For further information on Pfizer's EHV campaign, to obtain literature for your practice or to book a talk for your clients contact your Pfizer Account Manager or Pfizer Animal Health, Walton Oaks, Tadworth, Surrey KT20 7NS.
1. Eddington et al. Equine Vet. J. 1994; 26 (2): 140-142.
Ceva Animal Health has produced a leaflet to help horse owners understand the cause, diagnosis and management of equine back pain.
The company says the management of back pain in the horse can be a particular challenge to vets and a source of frustration for owners. Early diagnosis is likely to be associated with a more favourable outcome but it's important to ensure that other causes of pain and poor performance such as lameness, are not contributing to the horse's clinical signs.
'Understanding back pain' explains the anatomy of the back, as well as the clinical signs of back pain, and how it is diagnosed, including the treatment options and the general prognosis. Copies of the new leaflet are available, free of charge, from your Ceva sales representative. Leaflets on 'Understanding bone spavin', 'Understanding navicular disease', 'Understanding sacroiliac disease' and 'Equidronate discharge instructions', are also available.
For further information contact your local Ceva representative or Ceva Animal Health Ltd, Unit 3, Anglo Office Park, White Lion Road, Amersham, Bucks, HP7 9FB, Telephone +44 (0) 1494 781510.
Organisers of the Vet Charity Challenge are calling for more people to take part in the event, to join the 100 that are already set to walk, run, cycle, kayak and orienteer around the grounds of the Royal Agricultural College in Cirencester on On 15th September.
Gavin Mitchell from BCF Technology said: "We have entered two teams and already have a £100 bet on which of our teams will gain the most points on the day. This rivalry has certainly had a positive influence on the amount of training we are all doing to prepare for the challenge. The teams are out cycling after work and off for runs during lunchtimes."
Gavin added: "We are keen to ensure we beat the other teams such as those from Vets Now, and Clent Hills Vet Group. No pressure!"
Teams are also starting to gather sponsorship for the three chosen charities of SPANA, Hounds for Heroes and Pet Blood Bank. The team that raises the most amount will win a day's in-practice imaging training with the BCF in-house vet Kimberly Palgrave, BS BVM&S GPCert(DI) MRCVS.
Andrew Groom from Kruuse said: "This is a great focus to help get fit over the summer months, build team spirit within a practice and enhance a practice's profile locally, as well as raising money for some great causes. There is still room for a few more teams, so we urge practices to not wait any longer and sign a team up now."
For more information visit www.vetcharitychallenge.co.uk, call 01727 859 259 or find it at www.facebook.com/vetcharitychallenge
The Kennel Club is hosting its second Puppy Awareness Week to help improve the health and lives of dogs around the UK, and is seeking assistance from the veterinary profession.
Puppy Awareness Week is taking place from 8th - 14th September and aims to help people find a healthy, happy puppy that is right for their lifestyle, whilst raising awareness about the plight of puppies and breeding bitches born into cruel puppy farms.
To help, veterinary surgeons and nurses are being asked to join in the week, putting up posters and literature in client waiting areas, and selling Puppy Awareness Week badges for £2, which will go to the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.
Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary said: "It is vitally important that we spread the word about buying puppies responsibly. At veterinary surgeries there is a captive audience of animal lovers and we can't think of anyone better to communicate with. Not only are a vet's clients animal lovers and as such, potential new dog owners, but they may also make great champions of the cause, spreading the message about buying a puppy responsibly further afield.
"Sadly, we are seeing tens of thousands of puppies born each year suffer as puppy farms churn out litter after litter of undernourished and badly cared for puppies, and then selling them on to unsuspecting owners through pet shops, newspaper ads, online adverts and various other means. With help from veterinary practices we want to provide information throughout Puppy Awareness Week to help people understand how to buy a healthy, happy puppy, and to raise money for the Kennel Club Charitable Trust, which supports charities and organisations that are making dogs' lives better."
To get involved in Puppy Awareness Week and receive literature and Puppy Awareness badges, contact the Kennel Club press office at press.office@thekennelclub.org.uk.
Puppy Awareness Week will kick off at Pup Aid on September 8th in Primrose Hill, London and will run until 14th September. To find out more, visit www.thekennelclub.org.uk/paw.
Norbrook Laboratories Ltd has announced the launch of Pestigon, a fipronil spot-on solution for cats and dogs.
Rebekah Dudek, Norbrook Veterinary Advisor said: "Pestigon offers a fast-acting and long-lasting treatment for cats and dogs suffering from flea and tick irritations. The new product will have an immediate effect against flea infestations and will kill ticks within the first 24 - 48 hours of application. Fipronil is a tried and tested ingredient with proven efficacy against fleas and ticks. Pestigon provides a fast-acting treatment whose effectiveness will continue against new infestations of fleas for up to 58 days on dogs and 37 days in cats and against ticks for up to 30 days in dogs and 21 days in cats."
To coincide with the launch of Pestigon, Norbrook has rebranded its Permaguard household spray which is now available with 12 month protection.
Rebekah said: "The total life cycle of a flea can last from a couple of weeks to several months. Only adult fleas live on cats or dogs while the eggs, larvae and pupae can be found around the house in carpet, furniture, bedding etc for up to a year or more. It is therefore crucial that pet owners treat the household to break the life cycle and ensure effective and lasting flea control. Pestigon and Permaguard together will give pet owners a complete treatment."
Pestigon range offers 5 alternatives for cats and dogs depending on size and comes with colour co-ordinated pipettes available in packs of 3, 6 and 24 to allow for single or multiple pipette dispensing.
Norbrook's Small Animal Brand Manager, Michelle Jones said: "Pestigon is licensed as a POM-V product and will be sold exclusively through veterinary practices. We have produced a range of marketing materials for veterinary practices to help them offer support on flea and tick control in the home to their customers."
Orders for Pestigon and Permaguard can be placed through your Norbrook representative now.
Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has launched a new Canikur Pro website - www.canikurpro.co.uk - to provide pet owners with advice on digestive upset and offer a quick reference guide to using Canikur Pro.
The site offers information about the common causes of digestive upset, including dietary indiscretions, stress due to a change in circumstances and underlying gut problems.
The site also contains information about how Canikur Pro works, how to give the product and where to buy it, plus tips for supporting the recovery of a dog's gut health such as providing a constant supply of fresh water, offering a bland diet and providing access to outside areas to reduce accidents.
In addition, the site contains a 'veterinary only' area where veterinary professionals can download client materials.
The Webinar Vet has released the results of a survey which shows that its members are far exceeding their 35 hour CPD target.
Launched just over two years ago, The Webinar Vet was the first company in the UK to specialise in web-based CPD for vets and now has nearly 1000 members from around the globe.
The Webinar Vet founder Anthony Chadwick MRCVS said: "Our members average over 60 hours of online CPD per year. Indeed several members are exceeding 100 hours a year including workshops, and some have even recorded over 200 hours of total CPD!
"There will always be a need for workshop CPD, but most vets and VNs can get the majority of the updates and information they need online. However we believe that in many cases it's not a simple swap - the convenience of online CPD means that many vets and VNs are earning more total hours, which can only be a good thing for the profession.
"Many vets and VNs are juggling busy family lives with work in practice, and the convenience of viewing and participating in webinars from your own home or in a practice lunch break is both cost and time saving, not to mention the reduction in carbon footprint."