Virbac Animal Health is launching an initiative to highlight the prevalence of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a condition suffered by more than 80% of entire male dogs over the age of five¹.

The campaign will take place during November - or 'Movember' as it's called by the thousands of men who grow moustaches during the month to raise funds for male prostate and testicular cancer. Virbac says it hopes the campaign will remind dog owners that men are not the only ones to suffer from prostate disorders.

As part of the campaign, the company will be providing participating practices with promotional materials including free dog leads, owner educational and display materials, a press release for local media and practice educational materials.

Chris Geddes MRCVS, Virbac Product Manager, said: "It's estimated that 20% of the country's eight million dogs remain uncastrated throughout their lives. As dogs age, their prostates enlarge, eventually causing symptoms including constipation, lameness and difficulties in urination. However, most of the time clinical signs are absent or vague so diagnosing BPH can be a challenge."

According to Virbac, the traditional rectal examination technique can be an ordeal for both dog and clinician. It's also sometimes inaccurate even in experienced hands and is impossible in very small or large breeds. As a solution, the company has recently introduced Odelis CPSE, the first ELISA test to screen for, diagnose and monitor BPH, available from three UK diagnostic laboratories. The company says it's a cost-effective, precise and reliable alternative to rectal palpation. Virbac also offers Ypozane, a simple tablet treatment for BPH, which takes effect within a week and lasts for six months.

Chris added: "BPH is a serious threat to the health of entire dogs as they get older but owners are often unaware of the potentially serious health problems it can cause if left untreated.

"We hope that, by running our Prostate Awareness Campaign at a time when the media spotlight is already on the dangers of prostate cancer in men, we can help spread the message that owners should also be monitoring older dogs for signs of prostate disease. 

"We're providing practices with all the materials they need to promote the campaign in their locality and hope that those getting involved will find it effective in terms of bringing dog-owning clients into the practice for advice on BPH."

For further information on the Prostate Awareness Campaign and to get your free pack please contact your Virbac Territory Manager or contact the company direct on 01359 243243.

Reference
1. O'Shea J.D. Studies on the canine prostate gland: Factors influencing its size and weight. J. Comp. Pathol. 1962 72: 321-331.

The RCVS Charitable Trust is offering up to 5 grants to veterinary nurse training centres to purchase equipment worth up to £5,000.

Applications may be made for equipment which is directly used for veterinary nurse training of care and treatment of animals. All RCVS accredited UK veterinary nurse training centres are eligible to apply.

Tracy Mayne, RVN and Trustee, said: "Traditionally we directed our equipment grants only to the veterinary schools, but last year we extended the eligibility to include veterinary nurse training centres, and in 2011 we decided to dedicate the funding solely to veterinary nurse training, as part of celebrating 50 years of the profession.''

All applications must be received by 5pm on Monday 31 October 2011.

Further information including full application criteria, is available from www.rcvstrust.org.uk/grants/

A survey of 246 veterinary surgeons and nurses attending a lunch and learn webinar sponsored by Supreme Petfoods has revealed that they rate high fibre as the most important factor in making a recommendation for rabbit or guinea pig food.

High fibre was the top factor for 53% of respondents and rated as being much more important than monocomponent kibbles (27%), or a recommendation by an exotics expert (18%).

Supreme says it has addressed this concern by increasing the fibre content of its Science Selective Rabbit food to 23% fibre - the highest of any concentrate for small furries in the UK. The new VetCarePlus range, based on the monoforage technology developed by the company, contains up to 34% fibre. Fibre is vital for small furries, playing an active role in gastro intestinal health, dental health, weight management and behavioural factors.

The survey also revealed that vets and nurses are feeling optimistic about the impact of small furries on veterinary practice. 70% of respondents felt that, even in the face of the recent recession, small furries/exotics had made a growing contribution to their business profits over the last five years and 90% felt that there was potential for them to make an even bigger contribution to practice profits in the future. The biggest barrier to more small pets being brought forward for treatment was felt to be the cost of treatment relative to the cost of the pet - 55% felt that this was the most significant stumbling block - but another 45% felt that lack of education and an inability to recognise illness were the main factors.

Supreme's Marketing Manager Claire Hamblion has recently launched a trial programme in a limited number of practices to provide the tools needed to help grow the small pets sector. She said: "Our experience to date indicates that having the right tools and providing a warm welcome to owners of small furries that projects a willingness to treat them, can make a difference. We would love to hear more from those who have successfully grown this part of their business and those who are looking to expand their capabilities in this exciting area." Interested parties, or those who would like to pre-register for the further roll out of Supreme's business programme can send an email with their contact details to b2b@supremepetfoods.com.

The company says it has been delighted by the positive response to its lunch and learn webinar format, and more events are being scheduled for the winter months. Those interested in attending future events, or receiving educational material, can register their interest by email at cpd@supremepetfoods.com to receive priority notification of dates and availability.

Petplan has announced the finalists for the Petplan Insurance Advisor Award. This award recognises the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors (PIAs) do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners so that they are protected financially.

Three veterinary professionals have been short-listed as finalists:

• Harriet Goulden, Vet Nurse at the Feldon Veterinary Centre in Leicestershire
  With her hard work and enthusiasm, Harriett is considered to be instrumental in the day-to-day support given to pet owners about pet insurance and is a great ambassador of the Petplan Insurance Advisor programme. Not only is Harriett a fantastic nurse who works tirelessly to help care for animals at the practice but she has become known as the ‘insurance guru’ for making sure  clients are well informed about the different types of policies available. She also provides support and training to other members of the centre.
• Fiona Knight, Customer Care Manager from the Woodcroft Veterinary Group in Cheshire
  Despite her very busy schedule Fiona still manages to find the time to train and support her colleagues working across the Group’s six Veterinary Hospitals and Clinics to ensure that they are all up-to-date with training modules and have the right levels of support. Fiona also provides a caring approach to customers to ensure they have the best information possible to make the most informed decision about pet insurance.
• Alison Sawyer, Receptionist at Medivet in Watford
  Known at her practice as the ‘insurance queen’, Alison does an amazing job when it comes to promoting insurance, from talking to clients about the different types of policies available, to helping clients and the practice process claims. She takes great pride in making sure the clients claims are submitted as soon as the pets are discharged from the clinic so that they are not out of pocket for to long.

The finalists were judged by Petplan Business Developers Lisa Allen and Spencer Jones.

Spencer said: “At Petplan we work closely with vet practices to educate them about pet insurance so that they are able to give their customers informed and up-to-date advice. This year it is great to see the dedication and competence that each finalist has applied to providing their customers with great service and support.”

The winner will be announced at the annual BVNA Congress, taking place from Friday 7th - Sunday 9th October 2011, and will receive a 16GB Ipad2 with WiFi, worth £399.

For information on how to become a PIA contact Vetline on 0800 316 8800 or alternatively log onto www.Petplanpia.co.uk.

To find out more about Petplan visit www.petplan.co.uk

CPD Solutions has launched a webinar club just for veterinary nurses, available to view at www.veterinarywebinars.com. 

Susie Coughlan, Managing Director at CPD Solutions said: "We know that for nurses, CPD can be a big challenge. Time and cost are a real consideration and many nurses are not able to travel to distant venues to study the topics of their choice due to family or work commitments. In winter, travelling alone in cold and dark conditions becomes even less attractive. This webinar club offers a way for nurses to access relevant high quality CPD, safely, easily and cost effectively, to fit with their busy lifestyles."

The nurses club provides a monthly live webinar, in the afternoons or evenings. All webinars are also available for club members to view after the live event at their convenience. Susie said: "We decided to limit the available webinars to one a month during the annual membership period because with the best will in the world, many nurses have only a limited time and money available to spend on CPD and there is very little point in paying for a multitude of webinars that they will never have the time to attend. Part of the appeal of webinars is their low cost and value for money, although we know many nurses put flexibility as to when and where they view as the most exciting attribute of webinar clubs. It's another small but important step towards helping nurses maintain and build upon their professional skills."

CPD Solutions is offering a special launch price of £247 + VAT for veterinary nurses who join before 10^th October, which represents a saving of £80 on full price membership. In addition, each membership comes with two log-ins, meaning that two nurses can benefit from the nurse webinar club for the price of one. The launch offer also includes a free CD/DVD which CPD Solutions says is packed with content relevant to the club topic. All members will also have access to four webinars from the recent archive.

For more details or to join a webinar club visit http://www.veterinarywebinars.com/ or call 0151 328 0444.

Bayer Animal Health has launched a next generation fluoroquinolone antimicrobial - Veraflox (pradofloxacin) - for the treatment of bacterial infections in cats and dogs.

Bayer Animal Health's marketing manager Dr Markus Edingloh said: "Veraflox, with its molecular compound pradofloxacin, developed exclusively for veterinary medicine, marks a major leap forward in veterinary antibiotic therapy and patient care.

"Veraflox has an enhanced spectrum of antimicrobial activity which encompasses Gram-positive and anaerobic bacteria. In addition, Veraflox has demonstrated high levels of bactericidal activity against target pathogens including activity against dormant bacteria typically found in chronic infections."

For cats, an oral suspension is available in which a fine-grained ion exchange agent binds to the antibiotic, apparently allowing it to pass the cat's taste buds undetected. Bayer says this innovation has been adopted specifically to ensure the product is palatable to cats, and help ensure owner compliance. The oral suspension comes with a syringe with both millilitre and gramme graduations, to help ensure accurate dosing.

Veraflox oral suspension is indicated for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, wound infections and abscesses. The 15mg tablet is also licensed in cats for treating upper respiratory tract infections.

Bayer says that in addition to its other indications, Veraflox is also very effective at combatting anaerobic bacteria that play a major role in aggressive bone destruction in canine periodontal disease, and it is the first fluoroquinolone to be licensed in dogs for the adjunctive treatment of severe infections of the gingiva and periodontal tissues.

In addition to its dental claim for dogs, Veraflox is also indicated for the treatment of wound infections, superficial and deep pyoderma, and acute urinary tract infections. It is given to dogs as a once-daily flavoured tablet.

Dr Edingloh added: "The unique chemistry and way in which Veraflox works gives it superior antibacterial activity compared with existing fluoroquinolones. In addition, during field studies, Veraflox was shown to be superior to other leading antibiotic products.

"Pradofloxacin has been proven to have a wide spectrum of activity, outstanding antibacterial activity, and an excellent safety margin. Its pharmacokinetic features ensure this active ingredient can rapidly get to the site of infection, at which it has a great impact on the pathogen population.

"One of the most common reasons for treatment failure where antibiotics are concerned is lack of owner compliance. The availability of Veraflox as an oral suspension with a graded syringe for cats, will enable more accurate dosing, far easier administration and so ensure higher cure rates.

"The launch of Veraflox is the first major advance in its class, since the introduction of Baytril, the first veterinary fluoroquinolone, over 20 years ago. Veraflox provides vets with more predictability, reliability and peace of mind, especially in difficult to treat infections."

For further information on Veraflox, please contact your Bayer representative or call 01635 563000.

The Kennel Club has launched Puppy Awareness Week to bring the horrors of puppy farming to the public consciousness and highlight the important steps that are needed when buying a puppy, such as choosing the right breed and finding a responsible breeder.  

According to the organisation, 1 in 4 dog owners may have bought a puppy farmed dog. According to a survey it carried out this month, 44% of people don't even know what a puppy farm is, and 29% have bought a puppy from the Internet, a pet shop or a newspaper advert, all outlets which are often used for selling puppy farmed puppies. 60% admitted they did not see their puppy with its mother and more than half didn't see its breeding environment before they brought it home. 66% of owners were also never given the parents health certificates, and 8% were sold a puppy before it was 8 weeks old, which recent research has shown may lead to behavioural problems later in life.

The Kennel Club is concerned that the problem will get worse in the current economic climate, as 66% of people said they would buy a puppy at lower than the average price. 

Caroline Kisko, Kennel Club Secretary, said: "Puppy farming is a cruel trade that treats dogs as commodities rather than living creatures. You wouldn't buy a commodity, such as a car, from a dodgy dealer offering no MOT or service documents, but people don't ask for the same assurances from a breeder when buying a dog.

"Our worry is that in the future even more people will be fooled by puppy farmers, who hide behind the internet, being drawn in by the knock down prices without being aware of the high cost that they will pay later. This will simply grow the abandoned dog population and result in even more suffering.

"It is absolutely vital that people go to a Kennel Club Assured Breeder or a rescue home and that they know what assurances and information they are entitled to when buying a puppy, or it will lead to hefty veterinary bills and heartache further down the line."

The Kennel Club is urging puppy buyers to go to a rescue home, or a Kennel Club Assured Breeder - the only scheme in the UK which sets standards for and monitors dog breeders. It has also called on the government to put in place standards, similar to those used by the Kennel Club Assured Breeder Scheme, for all breeders.

The Kennel Club has issued the following advice to puppy buyers:

• Always see the puppy with its mother, in its home environment.
• Insist on seeing all documentation, including any health certificates for the puppy's parents. The health test results of all Kennel Club registered dogs can be viewed on the Kennel Club website.
• Beware the bargain. This probably means corners were cut elsewhere.

The Kennel Club has also created a petition to help end puppy farming and hopes to reach 100,000 signatures so that it may be addressed in the House of Commons. Dog lovers are invited to add their support by visiting http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/8557.

Puppy Awareness Week will culminate in Pup Aid, the boutique music festival, celebrity-judged fun dog show and family day out at Stanmer House in Brighton on 18^th September, organised by TV vet Marc Abraham.

For further information, visit: www.thekennelclub.org.uk/paw.

Following the announcement from the Dogs Trust that the number of stray and abandoned dogs has reached an 11 year high, Pedigree has launched it's fourth annual Adoption Drive.

The campaign, which seeks to raise awareness and funds for the thousands of strayed and abandoned dogs in the UK, comes at a time when recent statistics put the number of dogs being picked up by local authorities in the last year at 126,176 - the worst in over a decade.

Since its launch, The Pedigree Adoption Drive has raised over £1million for rescue centres up and down the country who are working tirelessly to find new and loving homes for abandoned dogs. Last year alone, grants of almost a quarter of a million pounds were distributed to 34 rescue homes and went towards funding the vital refurbishment of dilapidated kennel blocks, desperately needed veterinary facilities and the supply of essential surgical equipment.

TV presenter and wildlife vet Steve Leonard, who is supporting this year's campaign, said: "Rescue centres across the country are at capacity due to the overwhelming number of stray and abandoned dogs in Britain - a number which is sadly still on the rise. We need to work together to make people aware of this issue and educate them about both the benefits and commitment involved in owning a dog. The funds and support generated by this campaign, help to give abandoned dogs everywhere a second chance at the loving homes they deserve."

During the campaign, Pedigree is sponsoring Pete Wedderburn's blog on www.vetnurse.co.uk

Fiona Knight, a Customer Care Manager from the Woodcroft Veterinary Group in Cheshire, has won the 'Petplan Insurance Advisor Award 2011'.

The award, announced at the British Veterinary Nursing Congress in Kettering, recognises the hard work and dedication that Petplan Insurance Advisors do to highlight the importance of insurance to pet owners.

Fiona said: "It was such a shock to actually win the award, I'm very pleased!. All the finalists, including me, have worked incredibly hard to carry on promoting something we feel so strongly about. It's not something we can do on our own which is why I am so grateful for the dedication and support from my team at the practice.

"The Petplan PIA is such a great scheme as it helps increase the awareness of pet insurance, and really helps owners have financial security and their pets get the best treatment should anything happen."

The finalists were judged by Petplan Business Developers Lisa Allen and Spencer Jones.

Spencer said: "All three finalists have worked extremely hard to educate pet owners about pet insurance so that they are able to give their customers informed and up-to-date advice, however Fiona's commitment and dedication really stood out and she is a very deserving winner."

As part of her award Fiona receives a 16GB Ipad2 with WiFi, worth £399. The other finalists were Harriet Goulden, veterinary nurse at the Feldon Veterinary Centre in Leicestershire, and Alison Sawyer, receptionist at Medivet in Watford.

For information on how to become a PIA contact Vetline on 0800 316 8800 or alternatively log onto www.petplanpia.co.uk.

The Veterinary Marketing Association has announced details of a new award for public relations, open to veterinary practices and companies.

The VMA says this award is to recognise the value that media and public relations can add to the marketing mix. It will be awarded to the company or veterinary practice that has delivered the most innovative PR campaign during 2011, as judged by a panel of industry professionals.

Organiser Claire Edmunds said: "The VMA Awards has become a coveted event for those involved in the animal health industry to showcase their marketing achievements. A range of categories has evolved since the awards began over 20 years ago, for marketing, creative communication and new media campaigns. However, we felt that an award for PR was required to complete the marketing mix".

Jane Manning from award sponsor Splash Marketing & Communications said: "We felt it was time to give the opportunity for those involved in PR to obtain the recognition they deserve alongside their creative colleagues.

"An effective PR campaign can be a highly influential marketing tool, so it's great news that the VMA has added this new award category. We hope that companies and agencies serving the animal health sector will embrace this new opportunity to showcase their creativity and hard work".

The award is for the most innovative PR initiative published during the year. This can be a single 'one-off' event or article, or a sustained campaign over a given period. The winner and two highly commended entries will be awarded at the VMA Awards on Friday 9th March 2012 at Shakespeare's UnderGlobe Theatre, London.

Further information on the awards and ticket application forms are available at the VMA's website - http://www.vma.org.uk/  or by calling 0844 561 6157. The deadline for entries is Friday 27^th January 2012.

The Registrar and Secretary of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, Jane Hern, has announced that she will be standing down at the end of the year. 

After 15 years in the job, Jane says she has been pleased to oversee a number of significant reforms and new initiatives in her time leading the organisation, but has decided that it is time to move on and pursue other interests.

The College says it is now embarking on a comprehensive review of its governance, committee and management structures, during which the Officers and Council will consider how best the executive should be led in future.  

Jane said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time with the College and the Trust. Working with a profession held in such high regard by the public has been a real pleasure. I wish veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses and all my colleagues all the very best for the future."

The President, Dr Jerry Davies said: "The Royal College has been very fortunate in having the benefit of Jane's wisdom and guidance for so many years, and we wish her every success in the future."

Hertfordshire-based, multi-specialist veterinary referral centre Davies Veterinary Specialists' new pro bono scheme has saved the life of a young German shepherd dog twice in fortnight.

'Apollo' first impaled himself on some broken fence panels whilst playing. A splinter of wood, which was around 5cm long and 1.5cm wide, became lodged between his heart and lungs. However, because he initially had no symptoms and there was no obvious puncture wound, his owner Sam Russell from Leighton Buzzard wasn't aware that anything was wrong. It was a week later when the dog suddenly became very anxious, uncomfortable and was struggling to breathe, that Sam rushed him to her local vet practice, Heath and Reach in Bedfordshire.

Hannah Johnston's initial diagnosis was that the dog had some foreign material lodged internally that was causing an infection. Without an urgent CT scan and surgery his chances of survival were minimal, but his owner was uninsured and had no means of affording the treatment. Hannah had recently read about a pro bono scheme introduced by Davies Veterinary Specialists and believed that Apollo's case fitted the criteria.

She said: "It was heart wrenching to think that a young dog, with such a caring owner, was very likely to lose his life and I was determined to do anything I could to help. I couldn't help shedding a tear when DVS agreed to treat him, as I knew Apollo now had a chance. His owner had recently had an awful spate of bad luck and was so deserving of DVS's help."

Manuel Jiménez Peláez, European Veterinary Specialist in Surgery at DVS, who operated on Apollo, said: "A CT scan showed a large, fluid-filled cavity, a partially collapsed lung and a sharp, thin, elongated structure, lodged between Apollo's lungs and his heart. We drained the cavity and successfully removed the foreign body. We also had to remove most of the irreparably damaged left lung."

Apollo was in hospital for two weeks, five days of which were spent in intensive care in a critical condition. Sam was thrilled when she was eventually able to take him home, but two days later disaster struck again. Apollo was diagnosed with gastric dilation volvulus. He needed surgery within six hours to survive the condition and DVS once again stepped in to operate as an emergency, free of charge.

Apollo has made a full recovery is now back at home with the Russell family. Sam Russell said: "Apollo has always been so determined and full of life. Even when he was dangerously ill and in intensive care he wouldn't give up and tried to rouse himself to come home with me. For Davies Vet Specialists to save my dog once is nothing short of amazing but for them to save him twice makes me speechless with gratitude. To be shown such kindness after a dreadful run of bad luck would leave anyone stuck for words."

All first opinion practices are eligible to apply for the DVS pro bono scheme, which will allow an average of one patient per month to receive free treatment. Requests will be based on advocacy from the clinical head of the referring practice and on genuine need. To find out more visit http://www.vetspecialists.co.uk/ or call Dr Clive Elwood, Managing Director, on 01582 883950.