Hill's Nurse Roadshows return in May with a 4 venue tour of the southern region. The theme is weight management and mobility and the organisers promise fun-filled, fact-packed events. The evenings will address a broad ranging syllabus that includes setting up a weight management clinic using the latest dietary innovations alongside sessions on how to effectively promote it to your clients. It also will explain how to develop an individual exercise plan for both overweight but mobile animals, and for those overweight pets with mobility impairment. Guest speakers include vet Lowri Davies who runs her own sports medicine and rehabilitation veterinary clinic in Swansea and is a holder of Certificates in both Veterinary Acupuncture and Canine Rehabilitation and Julie Corey Dip AVN (Med) Cert AAB MBIPDT (Adv) who qualified as a veterinary nurse in 1994 and has a Certificate in Applied Animal Behaviour as well as an Advanced Grade from the British Institute of Professional Dog Trainers (BIPDT). The roadshows are being held at Milton Keynes on 12th of May, Tunbridge Wells on 13th of May, Exeter on 14th of May and Cheltenham on 15th of May. All the roadshow events run from 7.00 pm for an 8pm start and include a buffet meal and refreshments. To book a free place at any of the roadshows including the practice based event in Cardiff call Jane Quail, Education Coordinator at Hill's on 01923 814454.
A Pet Obesity Task Force, the first of its kind in the country, has been launched at the European Pet Obesity Conference, hosted by Hill's Pet Nutrition to help tackle the growing number of obese and overweight pets and put in place strategies to help overcome the condition. The Task Force hopes to raise awareness of the growing health implications of obese and overweight pets, such as diabetes and osteoarthritis. The fact that pets are obese or overweight is often overlooked by owners and the group also aims to encourage them to identify weight problems and seek appropriate advice from vets. Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser at the RSPCA, who will be sitting on the board, comments: "We've been trying to treat and prevent pet obesity for 20 years, but the problem hasn't gone away. In fact it seems to have got worse despite everyone's efforts. It's incredibly frustrating. So, is there any point in fighting on in the same old way if we're not winning the battle? "Let's take a step back, review our knowledge, re-evaluate our approaches, think outside the box and innovate. What could we learn from social scientists, human psychologists and others engaged in trying to tackle the very same problem in people - especially children?" Members of the Pet Obesity Task Force include: Mark Evans, chief veterinary adviser, RSPCA BVetMed MRCVS Professor John Innes BVSc PhD CertVR DSAS(Orth) MRCVS Professor Danielle Gunn-Moore BSc BVM&S PhD MACVSc MRCVS Daniel Chan DVM DipACVECC DipACVN MRCVS Nicola Ackerman BSc(Hons) RVN Cert SAN MBVNA Rachel Casey BVMS Dip(AS)CABC MRCVS Dr Ian Campbell GP Mike Jessop BVetMed MRCVS Dr Jacques Debraekeleer DVM, DipECVCN Simon Wheeler Head of marketing at Petplan
The Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS, Charity no 1100485) is appealing to veterinary practices, equipment suppliers and pharmaceutical companies to donate unwanted supplies to its Parcel Appeal 2008.
The charity, which exists to provide a sustainable veterinary resource to assist animal charities and non-profit organisations, sends donation parcels of veterinary supplies to 138 associated animal charities around the world.
Hannah Westen, WVS International Projects Co-ordinator said: "Last year we were able to help over 50 associated charities in this way with nearly £90,000 worth of donated items. This year we hope to double this but to do so we also need help to cover postage costs."
Some parcels are sent as responses to urgent requests, where it is essential that the parcel arrives within a matter of days, while others are a way of providing assistance to charities where it is not practical to send a veterinary team. Hannah added: "Donation parcels are a simple way for WVS to provide assistance for charities and shelters in even the most remote locations. We recently sent several parcels to St. Helena, one of the most remote islands on the planet."
For further information, visit: http://www.wvs.org.uk/, telephone: 01725 551123, or email: info@wvs.org.uk.
Hill's Prescription Diet Canine r/d has been reformulated following new findings regarding the role of protein in weight loss and the development of new fibre technology. According to Hill's, trials of the new formulation resulted in some impressive results, with individual overweight animals losing at least 22% of their body fat in 8 weeks while still maintaining muscle mass. In addition, the company has developed a range of support measures to help raise awareness about obesity and encourage pet owners to come forward. There's a new website: http://www.hillsweightloss.co.uk/ containing tips on weight loss and e-mailed reminders about returning to the surgery for weight checks; a pet passport containing information on helping the pet live a longer and healthier life, an anatomy poster that describes the dangers of excess weight gain and a practice display materials kit. Libby Sheridan, Veterinary Affairs Manager at Hill's, "It can be time consuming to put together a really good wall or table display. This kit offers the opportunity for use in its entirety, while also giving scope to add individual elements for those who want to customize the display further." Hill's Prescription Diet Canine r/d will be available in 1.5Kg, 4Kg and 12Kg bags. The recipe of the current 350g can remains unchanged. For more information call Hill's Customer Service on 0800 282 438 or (ROI) 1-800 626002.
Hot on the heels of the new license claim for Prac-tic comes the news that Novartis has launched new tasty Milbemax for cats.
The new tablet is the same small size as the original, but is beef-flavoured to ensure high palatability. According to Novartis, trials show that 100 per cent of cats accept the treatment with wet food and 83 per cent with dry food.
To help promote worming the palatable way, Novartis is offering practices some tasty marketing tools to use including posters, client leaflets, worming reminder pads and even a sturdy cut-out cat for reception.
Novartis will also be running a ‘Name Our Cat' competition with the chance to win an iPod touch complete with an educational podcast; there are five to be won. Entry details can be obtained from Novartis Territory Managers.
For more information about new tasty Milbemax, please contact your Novartis Animal Health Territory Manager or call the Practice Support Line on 0800 854100.
Prac-tic® - the spot-on flea and tick treatment from Novartis Animal Health has added a new claim to its licence.
It now states that adult fleas are killed before they lay eggs for a minimum of four weeks after treatment and, as the product completely eliminates egg production, it also breaks the flea life cycle.
Animus4Vets has launched a new complete series of training CDs. The new series of 4 CDs is entitled Sales and Merchandising and covers aspects such as Consulting room sales, Waiting room sales and Educational displays.
Animus4Vets says the new CDs have been designed in a similar format as their first Client Care series and aim to enable veterinary practices to run their own in-house training.
For more information go to http://www.animus4vets.com/ and follow the CD training links or phone 01449 775330.
Two recently published studies have demonstrated that the canine anti-emetic Cerenia® (maropitant - Pfizer) which was launched last year also relieves car sickness in dogs. In a pilot study, 17 dogs were given either Cerenia or placebo one hour before being taken on a car journey. After a washout period of 10-14 days, each dog was crossed over to the other treatment and once again taken on a journey to assess travel sickness. The results showed that likelihood of vomiting was reduced by 70% when the dogs were given Cerenia compared to placebo - but due to the small number of dogs enrolled the results did not reach statistical significance. The same research group also carried out a large, multicentre, blinded and placebo controlled study of Cerenia in preventing vomiting in 213 dogs known to be prone to travel sickness. They were given a single oral dose of Cerenia or placebo one hour before a car journey. The results showed that Cerenia was associated with a reduction in vomiting of 79% compared to placebo (p<0.0001).> The dosage of Cerenia used in both studies was 8mg/kg dose for the prevention of motion sickness-higher than the 2mg/kg dose that is routinely used to treat general emesis, administered at least one hour before the journey. According to the researchers' report in the Veterinary Record, the need for a higher dose is linked to the specific neural (central) pathway of emetic stimulation that is involved in motion sickness. Cerenia acts primarily at NK1 receptors in the emetic centre and thus has the ability to block vomiting due to vestibular stimuli. According to Pfizer, a single oral dose lasts for at least 12 hours, so pets can be dosed the night before an early start. For motion sickness prevention, Cerenia is licensed for up to 2 days' consecutive use, so owners can use it for a return journey the next day if need be. Pfizer also says that market research suggests almost one in five dogs suffers from travel sickness, which is not only inconvenient but does also stop some owners from travelling with their pet. In the past, owners have had to rely on OTC (over the counter) remedies or medicines developed for use in humans to prevent travel sickness. Many of these are ineffective or have unwanted effects such as sedation or extrapyramidial effects in dogs. Cerenia is the first anti-emetic to be developed specifically for use in dogs and was launched in April 2007- higher dose tablets aimed specifically for the prevention of travel sickness are expected to be made available early this year.
Fort Dodge has launched a new website for horse owners, all about parasites and worming. It's here: http://www.wormingyourhorse.info/.
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh's Royal () School of Veterinary Studies are to start testing whether a compound of cooling chemicals, extracted from mint, can be used to treat laminitis, a condition which affects seven per cent of the British horse population. The new project, funded by The Horse Trust and led by Professor Sue Fleetwood-Walker, builds on recent work that revealed for the first time that, there is significant nerve damage, as well as inflammation, within the hoof of laminitic horses. This explains why anti-inflammatory drugs are so ineffective in treating the pain of chronic laminitis and highlights the need for therapies to treat nerve injury-induced or ‘neuropathic' pain in horses. Prof Fleetwood-Walker's team discovered in 2006 that the ‘mint' chemicals have a pain-killing effect in laboratory studies of chronic pain. They will now investigate whether this synthetic treatment could help horses with laminitis.
Bayer Animal Health has doubled the number of pipettes in its Advocate all-in-one flea, worm and mite spot-on to provide an additional range of six-month treatment packs for cats and dogs. Bayer says the doubling of the number of pipettes in a pack is aimed at providing vets with greater prescribing flexibility and to help improve compliance for owners over a six-month period. Bi-annual vet visits will now give a full year's parasite cover with Advocate. Advocate is now available in three- and six-pipette packs for small and large cats and for medium, large and extra large dogs, and three-pipette packs for small dogs. The product remains the only combined flea, worm and mite spot-on that is licensed for the treatment of A. vasorum in dogs.
The RCVS is inviting comment on its proposed Return to Veterinary Nursing Practice course for veterinary nurses returning to the Register following a break of five years or more. The non-statutory Register for Veterinary Nurses was introduced in September 2007. Registration is compulsory for those VNs listing after 1 January 2003, and voluntary for others. Registered Veterinary Nurses (RVNs) signal their commitment to professionalism by agreeing to maintain their competence and skills by means of continuing professional development and abiding by the Guide to Professional Conduct for Veterinary Nurses. From 2010, a disciplinary framework for veterinary nurses will be introduced. Veterinary Nurses who have deregistered for a period of five years or more are required to complete a 17-week Period of Supervised Practice (PSP) before rejoining the Register. This ensures they have the opportunity to update their knowledge and skills under the mentorship and supervision of other registered practitioners (veterinary or veterinary nursing). To support nurses undertaking the PSP, the RCVS is developing a voluntary Return to Veterinary Nursing Practice course, which will lead to a Certificate in Current Veterinary Nursing Practice. The proposed time commitment for the course is 100 hours, including 30 "contact hours", which may be taught traditionally in a classroom or via online learning. The cost of the course will be determined by course providers. In order to ensure the course is fit for purpose, the College invites comment on its proposed structure from course providers, veterinary nurses and employers by 29 February 2008. Hard copy consultation documents have been issued to key stakeholders, but all are welcome to comment. The documentation is available to download from RCVSonline (click here) or by email from vetnursing@rcvs.org.uk. The College reserves the right to publish selected comments, together with its responses.
Pfizer Animal Health has launched Dexdomitor, a new, advanced form of the popular sedative /analgesic Domitor (medetomidine). According to Pfizer, Dexdomitor contains only the right-handed enantiomer (dexmeditomidine) which is responsible for the beneficial pharmacological effects of the meditomidine molecule. By removing the left-handed enantiomer (levomedetomidine) from the original racemic mixture the same sedative and analgesic effects can be achieved with a lower metabolic load, less potential for interaction with other drugs and half the active substance. According to Dr Jo Murrell, Senior lecturer in veterinary anaesthesia in Bristol Vet School, the use of dexmedetomidine has a number of advantages in terms of veterinary use: "Because dexmedetomidine had to undergo a lot of safety studies to get market authorisation in humans, we have a huge amount of cardiovascular data about the effects of dexmedetomidine in dogs," she said. "That means we know very precisely the effects of dexmedetomidine on cardiac output, on organ blood flow and the changes in blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain." Dr Murrell recommends that practices that are currently using Domitor should consider switching to Dexdomitor when it becomes available. "You won't notice any disadvantages as a result of the switch, but you may well notice that the effects of dexmedetomidine are more reliable compared to medetomidine, and you may notice some benefits in terms of recovery from anaesthetic combinations."
Hill's Pet Nutrition has announced that Canine i/dTM is now available again from wholesalers. The company says that Canine i/d has been reformulated to improve texture quality, while still retaining the nutritional profile that makes i/d ideal for dogs with digestive problems and as a post-surgery recovery diet. Hill's Prescription Diet Canine i/d Recovery Packs are back early March; Hill's recommends use of regular i/d in the interim. For more information, speak to your Territory Manager, or ring Hill's Customer Services on: 0800 282438 (UK), or: 1 800 626002 (IRL)
VN Council includes elected veterinary nurses, lay people, RCVS Council members, a Lantra representative and veterinary surgeons. “With the introduction of the non-statutory Register and recent developments in veterinary nursing training, the VN profession is going through an exciting period of change,” according to VN Council Chairman Andrea Jeffery. “We are looking for VN Council members with enthusiasm, vision and commitment to help take the profession to the next stage.” There are two vacancies for elected veterinary nurses on Council, each to serve for a four-year period. Candidates must be Registered or Listed Veterinary Nurses and be supported by two proposers, also Registered or Listed VNs. Candidates need to be prepared to spend at least six days per year on VN Council business - potentially more if they are co-opted onto other working parties and subcommittees - and be able to travel to meetings in London. Recompense for loss of earnings is offered to employers and travel expenses are paid. Nomination packs are available from Annette Amato on 020 7202 0713 or a.amato@rcvs.org.uk and must be completed and returned by 29 February. Election papers will be sent with the March issue of RCVS News and voting will close on 28 April. The newly-elected members will join VN Council at RCVS Day in July.
Fort Dodge (makers of Equest equine worming brands, and Deosect), is launching a new Equine Parasites Reference Manual.
The manual, which is supported by AHDA, AMTRA and BEVA, is billed as 'an objective and comprehensive reference guide covering endoparasites and ectoparasites and their control, as well as offering prescribing tips, a glossary of terms and reference sources'.
Fort Dodge has produced the manual to provide an ‘all in one' guide to support veterinary professionals and Suitably Qualified People (SQPs) involved in prescribing equine parasite treatments. It brings together, in an A5 spiral bound booklet, all the information they may need on the full range of licensed veterinary medicines to control equine parasites of concern in the UK. It will be launched at BETA (17-19 February at the NEC).
For further information about the manual (or to get a copy), please contact Fort Dodge on 01489 781711.
Phil Sketchley, chief executive of the National Office of Animal Health, today called for more veterinary practices to get involved with National Pet Month (5th April to 5th May). Speaking at the annual conference of the Veterinary Practice Management Association in Bristol, he said: "Last year nearly 100 practices held events - but there are around 2000 small animal practices out there. It's a fantastic opportunity to open your doors and show your clients - and potential clients - the high level of expertise your practice has and what goes on behind the scenes. "Last year some event holders reported that new clients joined after their NPM event. And these were not clients from the practice down the road - these were owners whose pets had not previously been registered with a practice - real proof that NPM can work to improve the health and welfare of pets. "Other practices chose to go and talk to schools about pet care. This is a great way to demonstrate to children the importance of keeping their pet healthy, and the role the vet and vet nurse can play," he added. The theme for this year's National Pet Month is Great British Pets. To get ideas and promotional advice for your event, and to register it free, visit: http://www.nationalpetmonth.org.uk/
The RCVS is conducting a survey of veterinary nurses, to complement the regular surveys of veterinary surgeons it carries out. You can take part by clicking the link at the foot of this article. The purpose of the survey is to take a snapshot of the veterinary nursing profession in 2008, and anticipate future trends and changes. "We hope to find out more about veterinary nurses' employment type and experiences, working patterns and professional development," according to Andrea Jeffery, Chairman of the Veterinary Nurses Council. "We will also be asking about nurses' aspirations for the short- and long-term and their current views on the profession." The survey results will help to show how the provision of veterinary services might be affected by various factors, including numbers of student veterinary nurses, career breaks, part-time working, and nurses choosing to work outside the profession. It will help the College to understand the changing role of veterinary nurses within the veterinary team, the impact of the non-statutory Register of Veterinary Nurses and to determine future training needs. It will also inform ongoing discussions about new veterinary legislation. The survey is being carried out by the Institute for Employment Studies (IES), an independent, not-for-profit research organisation. All veterinary nurses will receive a hard copy of the survey towards the end of January. It is also possible to complete it online at http://www.employmentresearch.co.uk/rcvs_vns.htm
Veterinary nurse Catherine Marsh (pictured right) from Eastgate Veterinary Group in Bury St. Edmunds has become the 1000th nurse to complete the Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor course. The three day residential training course for nurses in practice takes place four times a year, and provides training on running clinics in practice as well as canine and feline behaviour, nutrition and preventative medicine. Up to 30 delegates at a time meet to share their experiences and work together, providing a real forum for exchanges of opinion on the role and experience of vet nursing today. For more information about the Royal Canin Pet Health Counsellor scheme, please contact your Veterinary Business Manager.
Vetoquinol has launched Rimifin® a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for dogs, containing carprofen.
Carprofen can reduce inflammation and pain caused by musculo-skeletal disorders and degenerative joint disease. It can also be used as a follow-up to parenteral analgesia in the management of post-operative pain following soft tissue surgery.
Rimifin® is available in a range of tablet sizes, 20mg, 50mg and 100mg. A single 100mg tablet can treat a 50kg dog.
Rimifin® is available from 21 January 2008, with a launch offer of three packs for the price of two. For further information speak to your Vetoquinol representative, visit http://www.vetoquinol.co.uk/ or call 0800 169 8197.
Merial Animal Health, manufacturers of FRONTLINE Combo® and FRONTLINE® Spot On flea treatments, has announced that Nicci Hawes (pictured right with son Sam and Merial representative James Woolley), head nurse at Barton Lodge Veterinary Centre, Hemel Hempstead, has won a competition for the best description of the flea lifecycle, held on the company's stand at BVNA Congress last year. Nicci's correct explanation of the flea lifecycle led to her winning entry being drawn from over 500 vet nurses who entered the competition to win a weekend break for two worth £500.
An English entrepreneur, Alison Vaughan, has just launched Muksak, a new product to make it easier to clear up dog mess when you're out walking the dog. I was about to poo poo this idea (sorry). Having been brought up in the countryside, and stepped in countless 'meadow muffins', I find it difficult to understand why so many people seem to get themselves into such a froth about canine offerings. But I suppose it's a question of context, and even I have to agree that people should clear up after their dogs in places where children play, like parks and beaches. Then I was thinking 'what's wrong with the existing solution to the problem, the plastic poo bag?' Well, I don't have much experience of handling dog mess, but if my 10 month old's nappies are anything to go by, bags are singularly ineffective at containing smells. Besides which, handling faeces through thin plastic is never a particularly enjoyable experience. So perhaps these things are a good idea after all. In fact, I think I'm going to order one for my wife. For veterinary practices, they could offer quite a good marketing opportunity: brand them with your practice logo, and sell them at cost (or perhaps even below cost). The PR value of all those pet owners out strolling with practice-branded Muksaks would be worth its weight. For more information please phone Alison Vaughan on 01209 890696 or email alison@muksak.com
Hill's Pet Nutrition has launched two new websites - www.myhillspuppy.com and www.myhillskitten.com - which are devoted to giving puppies and kittens their best start in life. The sites provide pet owners with information, advice and support they need during the first year of their pet's life covering everything from choosing their puppy or kitten through to when to vaccinate their pet and diet and nutrition advice.
The websites also encourage owners to register for regular email newsletters to help keep them up-to-date with their puppy or kitten's changing needs and the importance of their pet's key milestones. Consisting of information on vaccination, neutering, dental care and the importance of regular health checks, the newsletters will encourage owners to take advantage of products and services available from veterinary practices.
"Our new puppy and kitten websites provide pet owners with a wide range of easy to understand healthcare information which will help encourage them to stay loyal to their practice and following vet and vet nurse's advice," comments Libby Sheridan, UK veterinary affairs manager at Hill's Pet Nutrition.
For more information on the Hill's Pet Nutrition websites or range of products, please contact your Hill's Territory Manager or call 0800 282438.
In response to a national shortage of qualified veterinary nurses, the Royal Veterinary College has announced its new combined vet nursing programme. From September 2008, the college will offer a newly developed BSc programme in veterinary nursing in addition to the Foundation Degree in Veterinary Nursing that the college currently offers.
The foundation degree takes two and a half years, and on completion, allows graduates to register with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RVCS) and practice as veterinary nurses. The advantage of the new scheme is that all students study for the foundation degree and then if they are successful, have the opportunity to top up to a BSc.
"There is a significant need for more qualified veterinary nurses," said Hilary Orpet, Veterinary Nursing course leader at the RVC. "We have made changes to our vet nursing programmes in order to help meet industry's needs by attracting more students, and the current shortage of vet nurses means there are lots of opportunities for them upon graduation.
"Both courses provide an intense, thorough, practical education in vet nursing. The advantage of studying to BSc level is that the qualification can open doors into other related careers like academia, research or work in the pharmaceutical industry."
The programme includes 70 weeks practical training at a range of veterinary practices, including the RVC's own world-leading hospitals. "The hands-on experience ensures that students gain a real insight into the day-to-day role of vet nurses," said Ms Orpet. "They get the chance to put their knowledge into practice and gain experience in common vet nursing activities."
Will Stevenson, BVetMed MRCVS, a graduate of the RVC and now director of his own practice, sees the importance of attracting more vet nurses into the industry. "Veterinary nurses are an essential part of any practice team," he explains. "They undertake the intensive nursing care of hospitalised patients, are heavily involved in surgical and medical procedures from start to finish, and take care of the everyday running of the practice. All of this, combined with client communication, means any practice would be unable to function without its nurses." Students can apply now for 2008 entry. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and hold a minimum of 5 GCSES, an A-level or equivalent qualification and have two weeks work experience at a veterinary practice.
To compliment the existing veterinary nursing provision on offer at the RVC, from summer 2008 NVQ qualified veterinary nurses will have the opportunity to enroll on a Graduate Diploma in Professional and Clinical Veterinary Nursing to enhance their skills and qualifications.
For more information on the vet nursing courses offered at the RVC please see http://www.rvc.ac.uk/Schools/VetNursing/Index.cfm.